Other parts of the world may prefer pumpkins but tradition in the Isle of Man maintains that a spooky lantern to keep the witches and hobgoblins away on October 31 should be carved out of a moot - that’s a turnip to those who don’t know.

Cregneash village turned itself over at the weekend to a great celebration of a traditional Manx Hop tu Naa, just as people living in the village would have been doing hundreds of years ago.

As well as the moot carving, the popular folk songs in both English and Manx and the traditional folk dances are all part of Hop tu Naa, the oldest continuously-existing tradition in the Isle of Man.

Although it’s celebrated on October 31, a night of dark spirits when the world between this world and the next is at its thinnest, there are some important differences between Hop tu Naa and Halloween and some unusual customs and superstitions which link back to the ancient Celtic beliefs about this time of year. One well-known element of Hop tu Naa is the legend of Jinny the Witch who used to go around the neighbourhood begging for food. It was best not to refuse her as it seemed that bad luck often fell on those who did: the milk cows would dry up, the horse would go lame, and the hens wouldn’t lay.

But she was also known for doing good deeds, making herb potions to cure illnesses.

Another tradition was to steal the first salted herring from a neighbour’s house - you could always blame Jinny.

Hop tu Naa also marks the end of summer and the start of winter and gorse bonfires would be lit to keep warm and to ward off bad fairies.

If you’re planning on celebrating tonight you can find lots of information and traditional recipes at www.culturevannin.im.