By Today in Fort Smith Staff Writer
As the air turns crisp and the leaves change color, the sight of carved pumpkins, or jack-o’-lanterns, lighting up front porches has become a staple of the fall season. But have you ever wondered where this popular Halloween tradition came from?
The practice of carving jack-o’-lanterns dates back hundreds of years and is rooted in ancient Irish folklore. Originally, the Irish and Scottish carved turnips and potatoes to ward off evil spirits during the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The carved faces were meant to scare away spirits that, according to legend, roamed the earth during this time.
The most famous story behind the jack-o’-lantern is that of “Stingy Jack.” According to folklore, Jack was a clever trickster who managed to trap the Devil not once but twice, only to be denied entry into both heaven and hell after his death. Condemned to roam the earth with only a burning coal in a hollowed-out turnip to light his way, Jack’s wandering spirit became known as “Jack of the Lantern,” or simply “Jack-o’-lantern.”
When Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America in the 19th century, they discovered that pumpkins, native to the continent, were much easier to carve than the turnips they had used back home. Pumpkins quickly became the preferred medium for jack-o’-lanterns, and the practice became widespread across the United States.
Today, carving pumpkins has evolved into a beloved Halloween pastime. Families gather to create everything from simple, smiling faces to intricate, spooky designs. Pumpkin carving contests, community events, and even professional artists have embraced the tradition, making it one of the most iconic symbols of the fall season.
Whether you’re making a scary face or a funny one, jack-o’-lanterns bring a festive spirit to neighborhoods during October. As you carve your pumpkin this year, you can appreciate the history and folklore behind this glowing symbol of Halloween fun.
So, as you place a candle inside your carved pumpkin and set it on the porch, you’re not just participating in a fun holiday activity—you’re also keeping alive a centuries-old tradition that stretches back to ancient Celtic roots.
Happy carving!
