Have you ever wondered where the idea came from to carve out a turnip at Hallowe'en? Are you sitting comfortably? Good! Then I'll begin...
Not surprisingly, the practice originated in magical, mystical Ireland, when, many centuries ago there lived an old drunkard known by the townsfolk as 'Stingy Jack'. An infamous deceiver and manipulator, one fateful night, the Devil himself learned of Jack's evil deeds and silver tongue and went to find out for himself whether or not Jack lived up to his wicked reputation.
And so it was that Jack was drunk and wandering through the countryside late at night when he came upon a body on the path before him. The 'body' - with a frightening grimace on its face - turned out to be the devil. Realising that Satan had finally come to collect his soul, Jack begged the devil to let him drink ale before he was deported to Hell. Satan agreed and took Jack to a local pub and plied him with alcohol.
TRICK
Upon quenching his thirst, Jack asked Satan to pay the barman as he did not have any money. Satan had no money either so silver-tongued Jack convinced the Devil to turn himself into a silver coin with which to pay the bill, and change back when the bartender was not looking. Satan, impressed with Jack's scheme, did so, but before the Devil could change back, Jack put the coin into his pocket, where he also kept a crucifix and the crucifix's prevented the Devil from escaping.
SINFUL
Eventually Jack's drinking took its toll and he died, but his soul was prevented from entering Heaven by St. Peter. Jack then went down to the Gates of Hell and begged for admission into the underworld, but Satan, fulfilling his promise to Jack, would not take his soul. Instead, the Devil gave Jack an ember to light his way. And, to this very day, Jack is doomed to roam the world with only an ember inside a hollowed turnip to light his way.
For more spooky tales from the vaults of Veritas Tours book a spirited walk on the City Walls with Christopher, Jim or myself, Olga... if you dare!!! Muaaahahahahahah....