Tumshie: The Forgotten Turnip Lantern

Tumshie is a Scottish Halloween story about a dad and son making old-fashioned Halloween lanterns and a costume together, inspired by how a Scottish Halloween used to be celebrated. It involves guising, dooking for apples, and carving out a tumshie.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 32 pages
\n Publication date: 10 September 2020
\n Publisher: The Gresham Publishing Co. Ltd
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Tumshie is a heartwarming Halloween tale that revolves around a father and son bonding over the creation of traditional Halloween lanterns and crafting a captivating costume. Set in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, this story draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Scottish Halloween celebrations. In the past, Halloween meant much more than just trick-or-treating and bobbing for apples. It was a time-honored tradition that involved guising, where children would dress up in imaginative costumes and go door-to-door asking for treats. Additionally, the act of dooking for apples, where children would try to catch apples suspended on strings, added to the excitement and thrill of the holiday. Carving out a tumshie, a turnip-like vegetable, was a significant part of Scottish Halloween celebrations. It was believed that these turnips possessed magical properties and could bring good luck to those who carved them with care and precision. The process of carving a tumshie required strength and determination, as it involved carefully cutting and shaping the turnip to resemble a spooky creature or character. It was a task that not every child could easily accomplish, but it was a rite of passage that instilled in Scottish children the strength of an ox and the stubbornness of a donkey.

The story of Tumshie takes place in modern-day Scotland, where a father and son reconnect with these ancient Halloween customs. They spend hours together crafting the perfect lanterns, using bright colors and intricate designs to bring them to life. As they work, they reminisce about the joy and excitement that these traditions once brought to their family. The father shares stories of his childhood, where he would eagerly carve out tumshies with his siblings and neighbors, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment in the final product. The son, too, is captivated by the history and significance of these traditions. He listens intently as his father tells him about the magical properties of tumshies and the importance of embracing the spirit of Halloween.

Together, the father and son set out on a Halloween adventure. They dress up in their handmade costumes, with the father donning a Scottish kilt and the son wearing a spooky mask. They wander through the streets, knocking on doors and asking for treats. The neighbors and passersby are amazed by their costumes and the dedication they have shown to preserving these ancient traditions.

As they continue their journey, the father and son encounter various challenges. They encounter a group of trick-or-treaters who are more interested in candy than in the history and traditions of Halloween. The father and son patiently explain the significance of these traditions, and the trick-or-treaters are eventually won over by their enthusiasm.

Throughout their adventure, the father and son bond deeper than ever before. They learn to appreciate the value of family, tradition, and the power of imagination. They realize that Halloween is not just about dressing up and collecting candy, but about celebrating the spirit of community and the magic of the season.

In the end, Tumshie is a story of love, laughter, and the enduring spirit of Halloween. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations. It is a testament to the power of family and the joy that can be found in simple, yet meaningful, traditions.

In conclusion, Tumshie is a heartwarming Halloween tale that celebrates the rich traditions of Scottish Halloween. Through the creation of traditional lanterns and the crafting of a captivating costume, a father and son bond over the spirit of Halloween. Set in modern-day Scotland, the story draws inspiration from the ancient practices of guising, dooking for apples, and carving out tumshies. The father shares stories of his childhood, and the son is captivated by the history and significance of these traditions. Together, they embark on a Halloween adventure, knocking on doors and asking for treats. They encounter challenges, but their enthusiasm and dedication win over the trick-or-treaters. Through their journey, the father and son bond deeper, learning to appreciate the value of family, tradition, and the power of imagination. Tumshie reminds us of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations. It is a testament to the power of family and the joy that can be found in simple, yet meaningful, traditions.

\n Weight: 232g\n
Dimension: 270 x 249 x 8 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781849345323\n \n