September 20, 2011

ABC Wednesday - J

J is for Jack-o-lanterns...

A jack-o-lantern is typically a carved pupkin. It is associated with halloween and was named after the phenomenon of strange light flickering over peat bogs, called ignis fatuus or jack-o'-lantern.

Keene Pumpkin Festival

The tradition of carving a jack-o-lantern started in Ireland. However, it was traditionally sliced out of a swede or a turnip. They were created on All Hallow's Eve and left on the door step to ward off evil spirits.  An offering or, as we now know it, a "treat", would also be commonly left to placate roaming sprites and evil spirits  who otherwise might 'fiddle' with property or livestock (play a "trick").
Jack-o-lanterns at camp -  from our garden pumpkins

Once the tradition moved to the USA, it was adapted to the carving of a pumpkin as these vegetables were more readily available, bigger and easier to carve.




Keene Pumpkin Festival



Keene Pumpkin Festival


9 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

that's a lot of jacks!

Kim, USA said...

Looking at these jack o lantern I am thinking of getting my pumpkin soon ^_^
ABC Wed

Chubskulit Rose said...

It's that time of the year again. Beautiful photos.

My take on J, please come and see.

Gattina said...

Soon they will be here too ! The first pumpkins are arriving on the markets !

Roger Owen Green said...

some of these are quite clever!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Unknown said...

Wow, love them! I just adore Halloween :)

http://carabossesbedchamber.blogspot.com/2011/09/abc-wednesday-challenge.html

Chronicles of Illusions said...

wow - we miss a lot here in NZ

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

It is that time of year where we'll be seeing a lot of Jacks soon!

Rose said...

These are some cool jack-o-lanterns!