In the English village of Hinton St. George, Somerset, it is traditional for both children and adults to walk through town carrying “punkies,” or lanterns made from carved-out mangel-wurzels, or mangolds (a variety of beet), with candles in them. Although this custom is observed in other English towns, the celebration at Hinton St. George is by far the best established. There is a procession of children carrying punkies through the streets, begging for money, and singing the “punky song.” A prize is given out for the best carved punky. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary