Halloween is just around the corner and what better way to get into the spooky-season spirit than with some much needed Halloween traditions.
But what's better than good old-fashion traditions? Long-lost ones.
That was the reality of one town in Canada after they stumbled upon a mid-19th century tradition.
Norfolk Town is proudly known as Ontario's garden. However, the mayor of the town, Kristal Chopp, says that their lesser known title is being Canada's pumpkin capital.
They are in fact the country's number one growing region for seasonal squash.
What's more, she says this unearthed tradition could actually save Halloween in Canada following the ongoing pandemic.
And all it takes is a little magic.
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How was the Halloween tradition discovered?
The tradition first came to light on October 2nd, when Frances Folk, the town's historian, was ruffling through archives in search of local history as she often does.
This is when Folk found two torn book pages hidden away in an old magazine, possibly from the mid-19th century era.
The author, she said, is unknown and will remain that way until more pages of the book are found.
The historian believes that her town's status as pumpkin capital is no accident as the forgotten pages name drop the magical rounded orange squash.
What is the Halloween tradition?
On the very first page discovered, it appears to be some sort of song, poem or nursery rhyme that is titled 'The Legend of Peter Peter Pumpkin Treater.'
Folk said that the song is actually instructions on what to do on the night before Halloween.
It reads the following:
"Peter Peter Pumpkin Treater
Makes Halloween even sweeter
On the night before Halloween
Carve a pumpkin and save some seeds
Plant them in your garden or a special pot
And draw a smile to mark the spot
The seeds will grow in Peter's magic pumpkin land
And he will thank you for lending him a hand
A candy surprise awaits when you wake
For all the pumpkins you helped Peter make."
"It appears that after a pumpkin was carved, seeds were given to children to place in a pot or garden," Folk said.
"Upon awakening the next morning, a sweet treat would greet the child. Our guess is that this was to help Peter Peter Pumpkin Treater ensure there was plenty of pumpkins for the next Halloween."
How can it save COVID-19 Halloween?
Mayor Chopp and Folk noted that this finding could surely save Halloween 2020 in Canada as many have pondered what to do to keep their kids happy but also safe amid health concerns due to the virus.
This especially holds true with Ontario Covid-19 cases soaring and with health officials urging everyone to stay home on Halloween night or at least take the proper precautions.
"I, like many mayors across the country have been struggling with the idea of what to do this upcoming Halloween," Chopp said.
"I encourage everyone, on the night before Halloween, to save some seeds and send them to Peter Peter Pumpkin Treater's magic patch. Not just for this Halloween, but for many, many more to come."
They both say that this new discovery could give kids some hope for Halloween especially for those who won't get to trick or treat this year.