Carve a turnip for Hop Tu Naa
When: 30th October 2016, 10am – 4pm
Where: Cregneash, Isle of Man
£: Admission costs £6 for adults and £3 for children. Members receive 10% off
What is it?
On the Isle of Man, Hop tu Naa is traditionally considered to be the beginning of the Celtic New Year and the start of winter. Each year, Cregneash hosts a wholesome, home-grown event, marking this unique Manx occasion. This year’s celebration will take place on Sunday 30th October.
The event will have live Manx music, with the opportunity to sing-along to the Hop tu Naa song and learn the steps to the traditional dance. Children will be able to carve a turnip lantern, make a herbal charm, and discover seasonal baking including Hollantide Fairings. Storytelling sessions will also be held, providing an interesting insight into the superstitions of the past.
The origins of Hop tu Naa are unclear but the celebrations have long-held importance to the island. Customs from this time of year have traditionally included setting fire to gorse to help ward off fairies, and visiting houses and singing rhymes in return for a reward. Another odd custom includes women baking a ‘dumb’ cake (and eating it), then going to bed backwards. It was said that whoever the women dreamed about, would be who they married.
This was also traditionally the time of year known as Hollantide, when workers were hired and rents paid. Hollantide Fairs would set up stalls, selling goods such as gingerbread.
More info: www.manxnationalheritage.im