Saturday 23 October 2010

How to Light a Pumpkin for Halloween

How to Light a Pumpkin for Halloween

Once you've carved the pumpkin and hollowed it
out, adding lighting is a very important part of
creating the atmosphere. A versatile fruit of the
species Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta,
pumpkins are often treated as a vegetable.
Traditionally, a candle is inserted into the
pumpkin but there are also other possibilities
for creating the light inside. This article will
guide you through some suggestions for lighting
your Halloween Jack-o-Lanterns.

!! Steps !!

Finish carving your pumpkin. When carving the
pumpkin, consider where to place the access hole
for adding lighting:

* A bottom hole is ideal for windy, blustery
nights. The surrounding pumpkin will protect the lighting from
being blown out and the hole is placed on the ground or a solid
surface.

* A hole on the top of the pumpkin, which looks
like a lid, using the dried stem as a handle. This is the
old-fashioned way.

The perfect sized candle. Use candles. Candles are the
traditional way of lighting a pumpkin and they're still much in
use today.

For the pumpkin with a simple base hole: Light
the candle first.

* Place the pumpkin straight over the candle
wherever you'd like the pumpkin sitting.

For the pumpkin with the top lid: don't try to
light the candle first and then stick it down
inside. You can burn your hand trying to do
this. Place a non-lit candle in through the lid
space. Make sure it's sitting firmly on the base
of the pumpkin and will not fall over.

* Light the candle. Don't try to reach from the
lid. Instead, using a long fireplace match or a longer lighter, go
through the front of the pumpkin, where it's carved.

* You won't burn yourself using this easy
method.

Create a chimney hole to release the heat from
the inside for either style of pumpkin. The
candle flame heat rises and will eventually
burn a hole in the top of the pumpkin and start
cooking the pumpkin from the inside out. To
deal with this, light the pumpkin's candle and
leave it to burn for a few minutes. You'll then
see where the heated area is forming on the top
of the pumpkin.

* Use the lid-cutter saw and cut out a little
edge at the top. Remove the piece.

* There will be be a little chimney left to
release the heat.

Use a battery powered light. If you're worried about the flames
harming pets with their long tails or kids with their cloaks
dangling around, a battery powered light can provide a safe
alternative, and they're inexpensive. You don't have to worry about
leaving these unattended, and they won't blow out with the wind.

* There are several different types of battery
powered lights on the market. Some have regular white glowing
lights, while others have a red glow, which can mimic a candle
flickering in the pumpkin.

* Kids love the rainbow glow light. It's a good
one for a monster pumpkin for a spooky effect.

* Place them in the pumpkin through the
available hole.

Consider using other types of lights. Be
creative and use other lights you have around
the place, such as flashlights, lamp lights,
ball lights, etc. Just be sure to tuck away any
cords if you use a corded light. LED lights
made for bikes, headlamps, etc., can make cool
pumpkin lights.

* Set up a ball light by turning the switch on and then placing it
flat inside the pumpkin.

* Enjoy your lighted pumpkin display. If you
can, remember to take photos as lit pumpkins make for memorable
photos.

!! Video !!

!! Tips !!

* Orange and black candles are great for Halloween.

* Rub cinnamon or nutmeg on the inside of the pumpkin using candles
for lighting; it will release a wonderful aroma of pumpkin pie!

* Candles, tea lights, and votives are still a very traditional way
to go. However, battery powered lights are much safer with young
children or when high winds are going on. These lights often come
in different colors as well and may flicker for an eerie effect!

!! Warnings !!

* Don't touch the candle flame; it will burn and hurt you.

!! Things You\'ll Need !!

* Carved pumpkins

* Candles

* Long candle lighter

* Lid-cutter saw

* Battery powered pumpkin lamps

!! Related WikiHows !!

* How to Make a Halloween Pumpkin

* How to Paint a Pumpkin

* How to Design Your Own Pumpkin Carving

* How to Carve a Pumpkin

* How to Make Pumpkin Candles

* How to Make a Pomegranate Jackolantern

* How to Carve a Pumkin for Holloween

!! Sources And Citations !!

* Videojug, Lisa Berberette,
http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-light-the-pumpkin
source of some information and photos, shared with permission.

!! Article Tools !!

* Read on wikiHow

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