A long time ago, (oh well; the 60's and 70's) children in the West Riding made Turnip Lanterns and most of us kids had never set eyes on a pumpkin, nor ever wanted to! Hollowed out with great skill and effort using your Mum's blunt veggie knife, they were lit with a stump of candle. These were our constant companions on dark and misty nights as we roamed the fields near our homes or wandered around the village on Mischief Night.
I don't remember Hallowe'en activities. It wasn't on our radar at all. However on Mischief Night; November 4th, we kids roamed the streets tying neighbours gates up with string (begged from the postman and hoarded for this very purpose) or also tying bin lids to door handles. Dustbins were heavy galvanised steel objects in those days, mainly used for cinders from the coal fire. Tying one to a door handle, knocking the door and hiding, invariably resulted in a gigantic clang as the door was opened to see who was there. The bin lid went flying through the air with a rare old clatter. We children ran away cackling and giggling with the aroma of burning turnip in our nostrils. On we fled through the dark and misty night to carry out more pranks. They were harmless enough and good naturedly received as a rule.
Wilder kids than ourselves and more daring, would place a lighted jumping jack into the same bins (it only worked if they were empty). With the heavy lid replaced, the racket which ensued was almost deafening. Our parents, though indulgent, strongly discouraged the practice!
On Bonfire Night, there were seldom that many fireworks but there was bonfire toffee and home made parkin; sticky and delicious with its satisfying ginger aroma. For those who didn't keep kosher, there was also stand pie and mushy peas around a communal bonfire 'dahn't fields'. Hallowe'en and Guy Fawkes night just doesn't come close!
(In the UK on November the 5th, families light bonfires to remember Guy Fawkes (a Yorkshireman) who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament with Gunpowder. In the West Riding of Yorkshire an ancient tradition is for children to play pranks on their neighbours on the night beforehand - Mischief Night)
For those of you enjoying Bonfire Night (or even Mischief Night) this year; please do so considerately and safely.
Jane
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