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The history of the Jack-o-lantern

By Kelsey Hilario
Spartan Daily
October 27, 2010

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Many traditions in America have become warped and twisted into Hallmark holidays and Halloween is no exception.

By the time mid-August comes around, Target is getting ready to dedicate a portion of its store to excess amounts of candy, fake spider webs, party decorations and costumes for kids, adults and pets.

One of the most iconic Halloween traditions is the Jack-O-Lantern, and to understand where pumpkin carving got its start, it is important to know where Halloween began.

Samhain (pronounced “sowwen”) means “summer’s end,” and is the ancient Celtic holiday that Halloween is based on.

Many years ago, pagans believed that Oct. 31 to Nov. 1 was the day to honor loved ones who had died, and it was during this time that spirits could come back and visit.




One Response to “The history of the Jack-o-lantern”


Ted Rudow III,MA says:
October 28
The true name of Halloween is “Samhain.” This was the Celtic Lord of the Dead! For 3 days from Oct 29-31, the Celtic people, along with their priestly class called Druids, would hold an ancient rite which would mark the beginning and the end of the year.
Usually a week before the rites of Samhain began, the Druid had ordered the people of the Celtic tribe to disperse throughout the countryside and gather thousands of wicker reed.This is a very strong and durable stick. Wicker furniture has been made from it and most of us are familiar with it.
They would then construct a giant human effigy that would stand from 30 to 50 feet, as the Wicker Man. Many cages had been built within it. Each prisoner would be tied to one of the cages. Then the Druids began their idea of fun and games.
Yet, I have seen many Christian churches throughout this nation hold Halloween Parties within the church building. Every single one of these things is directly from the celebration of Samhain. You are simply trying to turn something evil into something good! Isaiah 5:20. We pray this helps you to NOT be a partaker of this “holiday.
Ted Rudow III,MA
Class of 1996