14Tolerance
Registered User
posts: 16
(10/20/00 7:21:06 pm)

Mommy, where do jack-o-lanterns come from?

Where did the tradition of the "Jack-o'-lantern" originate?

The "Jack-o'-lantern" tradition originates with a story from Irish folklore. A notorious prankster and drunkard named Jack tricks the Devil into climbing a tree and then carves an image of the cross on the tree so he can't come down. Jack lets the Devil out of the tree only after he promises never to tempt Jack again. Years later, Jack dies and is denied entrance to Heaven because of his meanness.

He is denied access to Hell, too, because the Devil hasn't forgotten the trick Jack played on him. So Jack is forced to walk the earth forever. The Devil takes pity on him, though, and gives him a piece of coal to light his path. Jack places it inside a hollowed-out turnip that he happened to be eating. The Irish used turnips as jack- o'-lanterns until they discovered that pumpkins were easier it hollow out and carve and were also more plentiful.

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SAR01
Roamer
posts: 56
(10/20/00 10:16:47 pm)

Re: Mommy, where do jack-o-lanterns come from?

Thanks, tolerance, I didn't know all that! now I do!

I'd like to know how to make those gourd birdhouses....I think those are neat. I just did my new kitchen in birdhouses, birds and kitties.

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Brooks
Registered User
posts: 22
(10/23/00 3:05:15 pm)
Re: Mommy, where do jack-o-lanterns come from?

My first halloween in my first home (several years ago). Barely moved in in time to celebrate Halloween. My pumpkin would be perfect (or at least a rank above a Charlie Brown variety).

Thinking back, Mom must have done all the hard work on it. I remember digging out the innards, but I have no recollection of anything as tough as trying to carve out a face on my first as a homeowner.

Ever since, I have been looking longingly at the plastic electric ones in my local supermarket chain.

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SAR01
Roamer
posts: 96
(10/23/00 10:09:14 pm)

Re: Mommy, where do jack-o-lanterns come from?

Brooks, I have one of the punkin, and one of a ghost.....BUY the punkin...you can use it over and over!!!!



-- Anonymous, February 23, 2001