The tradition of carving pumpkins has been around for a long time, but who came up with the idea of in the first place, and why?
Back in the 19th century in Ireland and Scotland there was a legend of a man named 'Stingy Jack' who tricked the devil more than once to benefit himself. It is said when 'Stingy Jack' died he wasn't allowed in heaven or hell, but had to roam the earth with only a piece of burning coal. Jack put that coal in a carved-out turnip and it became Jack's lantern.
As the legend spread so did windows filled with lit up scary-faced-carved-out turnips to frighten away evil spirits, including 'Stingy Jack'.
Why display them on October 31st? Because in Europe that day was associated with ghosts and superstitions of which 'Stingy Jack' was part of.
When people started immigrating to America they brought this tradition with them. In time they realized pumpkins worked even better and started carving faces into them. As the years have gone by it has become a fun tradition (and sometimes competition) to carve anything from a face to an animal to a scene from a movie in a pumpkin and display them on a front porch for all to enjoy.
What will you carve in your pumpkin this year?
Have a great week!
Rebecca ~
Paintings: Watercolors by Rebecca Pappas
Reference: History.com
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