Jack o’ lantern

Jack o’ lantern, also known as the pumpkin prince or the glowing gourd, is a festive Halloween decoration that is made by carving a pumpkin into a spooky face and placing a candle inside to create a scarily delightful glow.

The origins of the jack o’ lantern can be traced back to ancient Ireland, where it was believed that carving faces into turnips (yes, turnips!) would ward off evil spirits. When immigrants from Ireland came to America in the 1800s, they discovered the majestic pumpkin and realized that it would make the perfect canvas for their spooky creations.

Making a jack o’ lantern involves gutting the pumpkin, drawing a face on the surface, and carefully carving out the features using a sharp knife (or, if you’re like us, a dull spoon). Once the carving is complete, a candle is placed inside, and the pumpkin is ready to be placed on a porch, in a window, or even on a doorstep to greet trick-or-treaters.

Some people like to get really creative with their jack o’ lanterns, carving intricate designs or even making them look like famous movie characters (cough Baby Yoda cough). Others stick to traditional designs like scary faces, ghosts, and skulls. Whatever your preference may be, one thing is for sure – a jack o’ lantern is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face (except, of course, for the ghosts and goblins).

So this Halloween, whether you’re carving a jack o’ lantern or just admiring one from afar, remember to appreciate the spooky history and hauntingly beautiful artistry that goes into this beloved Halloween decoration. And who knows – you may just find yourself feeling a little frightfully inspired to create your own masterpiece.