Culture Vannin is looking for the community to help with a study of those going out to sing this Hop tu Naa.
The hope is to keep track of a few simple things about those calling at their door on October 31, as well as information on the songs being sung.
This will form the first survey of its type, offering an important measure of Manx traditions today, against which things can be measured in future.
Hop tu Naa
James Franklin, Online & Educational Resources Officer at Culture Vannin, says: “Hop tu Naa is a thing which people in other parts of the world are often amazed to hear about.
“The songs, turnips and other parts of the tradition set it apart as something exciting and unique. However, this has never been measured in a systematic or quantifiable way before – which is what we want to put right this year!”
The survey is anonymous, and no one needs to ask anyone any questions.
Survey
Volunteers will be asked to simply note down how many people visit, how many sing, what they sing, and whether they have carved turnips with them.
From this, Culture Vannin hope to create a simple overview of the tradition as it is practised today, and against which it can be measured in the future.
James Franklin says: “If a survey like this was available from 10 or 20 years ago, it would be fascinating to measure against it today.
“So, we are starting it this year, so that people in the future can measure the traditions against it. We are making it as simple as possible, in the hope that many people will lend a hand recording it as best we are able.”
Anyone interested can find out more information on the Culture Vannin website or they can contact the organisation directly for more information.
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