By Susie Cosack, Master Gardener, SCMG
Pumpkins, especially those that have been carved into jack-o’-lanterns, are an iconic symbol of Halloween. Evolving over centuries from a blend of folklore, agriculture and North American cultural practices, pumpkins have come to be what is most associated with this spooky night. The tradition of carving jack-o’-lanterns originates from Irish and Scottish folklore. In these tales, a character named “ Stingy Jack” was always trying to trick the Devil, eventually causing him to be denied entry into both heaven and hell. The legend continued with Jack condemned to wander earth with only a hollowed-out turnip lit by a burning coal to light his way. In Ireland and Scotland, people would carve turnips, beets, and other root vegetables to make lanterns to scare off wandering spirits like Jack, especially around the time of Samhain, the Celtic equivalent to Halloween. Samhain marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter, supposedly a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was thought to be ‘thin’.
When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought this tradition overseas with them, they found that pumpkins, native to North America, were much easier to carve than the smaller, harder vegetables they had used in the past. Pumpkins were easy to grow, produced an abundant crop and came in all different sizes. The pumpkin’s large hollow bodies became the natural choice for creating lanterns and soon took on the name “jack-o’-lantern.”
The pumpkin is already linked to the autumn season. As a crop harvested in the fall, pumpkins are a familiar sight at dinner tables, and certainly Thanksgiving, where they are not only used for their beautiful orange colours but prepared into pies, soups and other edible dishes. As October 31st became more popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pumpkins took over role of ‘the face’ of Halloween. With their practical use as a lantern, the pumpkins visual appeal added to the atmosphere of the night. Whether they have round glowing faces, funny or eerie expressions, the pumpkin fits perfectly with the theme of having a spooky yet playful time.
The commercialization of Halloween in later 20th century further anchored the pumpkin’s role at the end of October. Today, Halloween decorations, costumes and candies all use the pumpkin image. Pumpkin patches are popular destinations for families wanting to pick the perfect pumpkin(s) to carve for their homes. Pumpkins are inseparable from the Halloween tradition and carving them has become a fun tradition for everyone.
Pumpkins, became the symbol of Halloween through a mix of old-world traditions, the practicality of using them for lanterns and their association with autumn harvest. It simply wouldn’t be Halloween without one !
Happy Halloween !
