The Pumpkins Are Coming!
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Pumpkins became associated with Halloween through a combination of Irish folklore and the practicalities of pumpkin availability in America. The tradition of carving jack-o'-lanterns (originally done with turnips in Ireland) was brought to America by Irish immigrants who found pumpkins to be a readily available and larger alternative. These carved pumpkins, with their glowing faces, were believed to ward off evil spirits, echoing the Irish legend of Stingy Jack.
- Irish Folklore: The legend of Stingy Jack, a man who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the earth with only a burning coal inside a turnip, is the origin of the term "jack-o'-lantern".
- Samhain and Turnips: In ancient Ireland and Scotland, the festival of Samhain (ancestor of Halloween) involved carving scary faces into turnips to ward off evil spirits and wandering souls, including that of Stingy Jack.
- Immigration to America: Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America, but they found pumpkins to be more plentiful and easier to carve than turnips.
- Pumpkin as a Symbol: The pumpkin, with its size and readily available nature, became the new canvas for the jack-o'-lantern tradition in America.
- Evolving Meaning: While originally intended to scare away spirits, jack-o'-lanterns have evolved to symbolize the jovial and welcoming spirit of Halloween in many communities
And now it is my pleasure to share with you a few pumpkin sculptures by the Ocademy's favorite artist — Sue Beatrice of All Natural Arts
P.S. This post is in disguise as another one in October. They decided to put on costumes and go as each other. We'll see when the time comes if you know which post switched with this one