About Jack-O-Lanterns

Jack o' lanterns are carved pumpkins typically associated with Halloween. They can be scary, funny, or creative and are generally used for decorative purposes in homes or outside. Carving jack o' lanterns is a tradition that many families do every year in North America.

History

The term "jack o' lantern" has been around since the mid-seventeenth century, and was first used to describe a night watchman with a lantern. Later, the term was used to describe an ignis fatuus, or light flickering over a peat bog. One interesting folktale of the jack o' lantern can be traced back to an Irish story about a trickster named Jack. According to the story, Jack tricked the Devil into climbing up a tree. Jack then carved an image of the Holy Cross into the tree trunk, preventing the Devil from climbing back down. Jack then made a deal with the Devil. In exchange for allowing the Devil to climb down the tree, the Devil promised never to tempt Jack again. When Jack died, he was not allowed into Heaven because he lived an evil and mischievous life. He was not permitted into Hell because of the trick he played on the Devil. The Devil gave Jack an ember to light his path through the blackness and the flame was placed inside a hollow turnip to prevent it from blowing out. Jack became known as "Jack of the lantern" or Jack O'Lantern. Jack o' lanterns were not associated with Halloween until the mid-1800s.

Features

Jack o' lanterns are typically made from pumpkins, although other vegetables, such as turnips and swedes can also be used. The top of the pumpkin is removed and set aside, and the inside flesh is removed. Markings are drawn or etched onto the outside of the pumpkin and then pieces are cut out using knives, spoons, or other tools. Generally, faces are carved into the pumpkin, but animals, symbols, and other designs are sometimes used in lieu of facial features. A light source is inserted into the hollowed gourd and the top is replaced. Ideally, the carved image should glow. Not all jack o'lanterns are designed to appear frightening. Celebrity faces and cartoon characters are popular designs.

Function

Jack o' lanterns are traditionally used to decorate the outside of a home during Halloween. Some families use them to line and light pathways, while others use them in combination with other decorations to create a spooky yard for trick-or-treaters. Carving contests are held all over the United States each year to honor the most original jack o' lanterns created.

Geography

Jack o' lanterns are primarily a North American tradition, although the use of lanterns carved from vegetables likely originated in Ireland and Britain. Jack o' lanterns are becoming increasingly common in some countries that are new to celebrating Halloween, such as France. This is mainly due to the influence of Americans traveling abroad.

Warning

Traditionally, jack o' lanterns were lit by a candle placed inside the hollow pumpkin. This method of lighting jack o' lanterns carries some risk of fire. Because of this, more and more people are choosing to light their jack o' lanterns with electric lights made specifically for placing inside pumpkins. When a candle or other open flame source is used, care must be taken to secure the candle upright inside the jack o' lantern. The jack o' lantern should never be left unattended, especially around animals or small children, and it should be placed on a level surface to prevent tipping. As soon as the gourd appears to be drying out, the candle should be removed and the jack o' lantern discarded.