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.
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| 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"). |
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| 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.
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| Keene Pumpkin Festival |
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| Keene Pumpkin Festival |
9 comments:
that's a lot of jacks!
Looking at these jack o lantern I am thinking of getting my pumpkin soon ^_^
ABC Wed
It's that time of the year again. Beautiful photos.
My take on J, please come and see.
Soon they will be here too ! The first pumpkins are arriving on the markets !
some of these are quite clever!
ROG, ABC Wednesday team
Wow, love them! I just adore Halloween :)
http://carabossesbedchamber.blogspot.com/2011/09/abc-wednesday-challenge.html
wow - we miss a lot here in NZ
It is that time of year where we'll be seeing a lot of Jacks soon!
These are some cool jack-o-lanterns!
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