Pumpkins are beloved symbols of autumn and over 45 different varieties exist! Right from the skin, leaves, pulp, flower, seeds and stems; almost the entire fruit is edible. Boasting names such as Cotton Candy, Hooligan and Orange Smoothie, pumpkins range from orange, red, yellow and green in colour. It is very fitting to say that no AUTUMN season could be complete without having PUMPKINS in it. Even coffee lattes are popular to have a pumpkin tinge to them! So, whether it is Thanksgiving or Halloween, you are bound to find pumpkins as an integral item on these days.
A yearly tradition that is associated with Halloween is the placing of candles or lanterns within hollowed-out and carved pumpkins a tradition known as Jack-o-lanterns.
Although popular stories such as the legendary headless horseman and hid hurled pumpkin have been around for years, jack-o-lanterns have originated in countries such as Ireland, Scotland and England.
Initially, large turnips/potatoes and other root vegetables were used to carve out ghoulish and demonic faces, but the actual practice of carving pumpkins in Ireland stemmed from an Irish folktale about a man from the 18th century known as Stingy Jack.
Stingy Jack was a drunkard who bargained with Satan but was doomed to the Earth for all of eternity. When Jack eventually died, he found himself stuck between two different worlds and also inspired the name ‘Jack-O-Lantern’. Along with the tradition of carving pumpkins and creating jack-o-lanterns, this Irish folktale was brought to America by Irish immigrants!
Originally beginning in the 19th century, the custom of making jack-o-lanterns has been a strong element of Halloween, especially in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. However, slowly it spread across the world. Either a scary, comical or funny face would be carved out of the rind. To expose the hollow interior, the top of the pumpkin would be cut off. All of the flesh inside would be scooped out and any light source, either a candle or tea-light would be placed inside before closing it.
The carved pumpkin lantern’s association with Halloween is recorded in the 1 November 1866 edition of the Daily News
“The old-time custom of keeping up Hallowe’en was not forgotten last night by the youngsters of the city. They had their maskings and their merry-makings and perambulated the streets after dark in a way which was no doubt amusing to themselves. There was a great sacrifice of pumpkins from which to make transparent heads and face, lighted up by the unfailing two inches of tallow candle.”
Folk tails of jack-o-lanterns
Besides Stingy Jack, there are many other stories that have come from Europe such as Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden. It is even featured in a rhyme used in Polperro, Cornwall.
Jack o’ the lantern! Joan the wad,
Who tickled the maid and made her mad
Light me home, the weather’s bad.
Jack-O-Lanterns were also ways to protect one’s home against the dead and they were used to ward off vampires. Connecticut Field pumpkins which are the type of pumpkins that were used as early as the 16th century are the most popular Halloween pumpkins and these pumpkins are known as ‘the original commercial jack-o-lantern pumpkins’.
For a very long time, Keene in New Hampshire had a reputation for holding the world’s record for the most jack-o-lanterns that were carved and lit in one space. However, other places such as Boston Common in downtown Boston, Highwood – Illinois have also set the bar very far.
For this Halloween, how many jack-o-lanterns will you be having?
As famously quoted, “I may be small, but I’m mighty.” “Oh my gourd, I love Halloween!” “I’m not lazy, I’m just conserving my energy for Halloween night.” “Don’t be afraid to let your light shine through.”
