Tradition
Jack-o'-Lanterns
Jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland and Scotland, and were first carved using turnips. Here are a few lesser-known details behind this familiar Halloween tradition.
Photo courtesy of Robyn Plant
01
The legend of Stingy Jack
Folklore tells of Stingy Jack, a restless soul said to wander with a glowing ember inside a carved turnip.
02
Irish and Scottish roots
Irish and Scottish immigrants brought carved-root vegetable traditions to North America, where pumpkins later became the familiar canvas.
03
Turnips before pumpkins
In Ireland and Scotland, turnips and other sturdy roots were common choices because their dense flesh could hold a face and a candle.
04
How to hollow a turnip
Cut a lid, scoop out the center with a sturdy spoon, and thin the walls carefully from the inside. Leave enough flesh to keep the shell strong.
05
Ghost lanterns
In some traditions, jack-o'-lanterns are also called ghost lanterns—a fitting name for a glowing face meant to light the dark and ward off wandering spirits.
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