Pumpkin Season - History of the Jack-o-Lantern
Its pumpkin season and time to don our front steps and tabletops with jack-o-lanterns. This fall tradition dates back several centuries to a man nicknamed Stingy Jack.
The Irish myth says Jack made a deal with the devil and tricked him into not claiming his soul. When Jack died God would not allow him into heaven and the devil would not allow him into hell. Instead the devil sent him into the night with just a burning coal.
Jack placed the coal in a carved out turnip and is said to be still be roaming the earth. The Irish began referring to him as Jack of the lantern and eventually Jack O’ lantern.
Folks began carving and placing turnips and potatoes in their windows to scare away Stingy Jack. When the Irish arrived in the U.S. they discovered pumpkins made the perfect Jack O’ lanterns. The tradition continues to this day.
A bit more information
Pumpkins have been a part of the diet for centuries. Native Americans roasted long strips of pumpkins in open fires and ate them. Colonists made pumpkin pie by cutting off the top of the pumpkin and scooping out the seeds. They filled the cavity with milk, spice and honey and then baked the pumpkin in hot ashes.
Related
Audio
Audio
Audio
Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
March 20, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Maximize the Beauty and Enjoyment
in Any Small Space
Register now
March 23, 2024
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI
March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now
April 3, 2024
Garden Trends
Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI
April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now
April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now
April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now
April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL
April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI
April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI
May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR
Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More