![]() In Ireland, where the tradition began, pumpkins don’t grow. The legend of Stingy Jack is just the start of Halloween’s fascinating history. The Irish took to calling him “Jack of the Lantern”, which was then shortened to “Jack-o’-Lantern”. Jack stuck the coal into a hollowed out turnip and has been wandering the earth ever since. He rejected him as well, and sent Jack’s soul back to wander the earth with nothing but a warm coal to light his path. The Devil, however, promised not to take Jack’s soul. Jack’s soul was rejected from heaven because he had lived a deplorable life, and instead turned to Hell. Shortly after he struck his final deal with the Devil, he died. These old legends rarely have a happy ending for the protagonist, and ole Stingy Jack is no exception. He struck the same deal with the Devil, only this time he was to be left alone for ten years. While the Devil climbed around in the tree, Jack carved a cross into its back that prevented him from coming down. Again he succeeded, this time convincing him to climb a tree to pick some fruit. He also promised not to take Jack’s soul once he died.Ī year passed, and Jack once again decided to play a trick on the Devil. Stymied by the cross, the Devil was eventually released after agreeing not to both Jack for a year. The Devil expected to be used to cover the drinks, but Jack instead stuck him in his pocket next to a silver cross. Instead, he tricked the Devil into turning into a coin. Stingy Jack, as you may have deduced, was not the most generous of souls, so when it came time to pay for the Devil’s drink Jack refused. ![]() ![]() The legend begins at a pub, where Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink. The name jack-o’-lantern comes from an Irish folk tale about a man called “Stingy Jack”. ![]() The answer lies across the Atlantic in the the 17th century, and rooted in the Celtic-Pagan religion. While everyone has seen a jack-o’-lantern, not everybody knows exactly where the tradition comes from. Whether their expressions are happy, sad, or scary, glowing jack-o’-lanterns peering at those brave enough to wander through October nights bring joy to the season. Pumpkin carving is an October staple in households across the United States. ![]()
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