An Hour in Tarporley, Cheshire

A sunny, damp morning started the day in this old Cheshire village, preparing itself for Halloween on October 31. Halloween is a celebration observed in many countries on the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It is at the beginning of the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the Christian liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs, and all the faithful departed. In popular culture, Halloween has become a celebration of horror and is associated with the macabre and the supernatural.

Children cut the middles out of large pumpkins, then cut holes and shapes in them and insert candles which glow through the holes to form ghoulish faces and strange shadows. Holding their glowing pumpkins, and dressed up in ghostly attire, the tradition is for them to visit their neighbours and request a "trick or treat?" - usually receiving candy and sweets in response. Otherwise a 'trick,' which could be a little mischief dreamt up by the children as a penalty for receiving no treats.