History of the Jack O'Lantern

Where did the name Jack O' Lantern come from and why is it associated with Halloween?

In the ancient Celtic areas, people celebrated at the end of the harvest, which marked the beginning of winter and darkness. The myth says that an unsavory character named Stingy Jack was wandering the countryside about this time of year, and was carrying a lit coal inside of a turnip. When the Irish and Scottish immigrants came to this country, they brought the story with them - but the turnip turned into a pumpkin. Jack of the Lantern, became, you guessed it, Jack O' Lantern - the star performer at every Halloween celebration.

The Jack O' Lantern has evolved over the years to become all kinds of designs on a pumpkin - whether it's carved or painted. Of course, you can also see them on cookies, cakes, desserts - and even pancakes and waffles.

Source: Medialink, 10.26