SheSue Experience

Where did the idea for carving a Jack O Lantern come from? Many believe in the Irish folktale of the 16^th century about a thief named Jack who tricked the Devil.   According to one version of the story, Jack invited the Devil out for a drink. Jack convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin to pay for the drinks. In return Jack would relinquish his soul.

But, being a thief, Jack decided to keep the money and put it in his pocket which held a silver cross. This prevented the Devil from returning to his true form. Jack told the Devil he would free him if he would spare Jack for one year. The Devil agreed. But Jack changed his mind and tricked the Devil again. Soon after he died.

Being a thief, Jack wasn’t allowed into heaven. And since the Devil didn’t trust him, he was not allowed into hell either. The Devil gave Jack a burning coal to light his way into the night. Unable to hold the coal in his hand, Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip. Jack has been roaming the earth ever since with his Jack O Lantern.

Although many historical records indicate vegetables used as lanterns, there is no evidence of a pumpkin being used as a lantern until much later. It wasn’t until 1866 before any historical record mentions carved pumpkins being related to the Halloween celebration.  These current records all come the North America.

Whatever the history, the carved pumpkins of today are much more elaborate than those of years gone by. I remember carving a goofy face into a pumpkin as a kid. Today there are contests for intricately carved pumpkins. I found a great YouTube video of carved pumpkins simply called: Pumpkins!!!  What’s your favorite pumpkin memory?