The Celts celebrated Halloween as Samhain, 'All Hallowtide' - the 'Feast of the Dead', when the dead revisited the mortal world. The celebration marked the end of Summer and the start of the Winter months. The night before was known as 'All Hallows Eve' which, over time, became known as Halloween. Clean coins are wrapped in baking paper and placed in the potato for children to find and keep. Each member of the family gets a slice.
Great interest is taken in the outcome as there is a piece of rag, a coin and a ring in each cake.
If you get the rag then your financial future is doubtful. If you get the coin then you can look forward to a prosperous year. Getting the ring is a sure sign of impending romance or continued happiness. If, in the morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots then the person who placed the leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health until the following Halloween. Carving Pumpkins dates back to the eighteenth century and to an Irish blacksmith named Jack who colluded with the Devil and was denied entry to Heaven.