By: Guest Blogger Virginia "Ginny" Taylor
As we approach All Hallow's Eve many of you may have already completed the traditional task of carving the pumpkin – genus Cucurbita. We have. As always the adults claim to be there to 'just watch' as the kids tackle this fun tradition. But, as always, they end up in slimy goo up to their elbows -- enjoying every minute of it. So where did this tradition start? The Celts started the holiday which was the end of their year by hollowing out the insides of turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes and beets to welcome the spirits of deceased loved ones thought to return at this time of year. Many different cultures have a time of celebration similar to this. But where did we get the name Jack o'Lantern? Evidently, in the 1800's Irish immigrants discovered pumpkins here on the Western hemisphere. It is believed that they originated in South America (the pumpkins not the Irish). A man named Jack had some kind of contest with the Devil over many years. In the end he was sent on his way with only a hot coal to light his nights which he promptly put into a hollowed turnip. And now we have the name Jack o'Lantern. (see suite101.com A History of Pumpkin Carving for complete story).
