Carved pumpkins are Halloween standards, but how did the jack-o'-lantern tradition get started?
Learn about the history of Halloween and pumpkin carving.
For many of us,carving pumpkinsis a must-do Halloween tradition.
Credit: Jason Donnelly
But have you ever wondered how the holiday tradition started?
The history of Halloween as we know it is based on an ancient Celtic holiday known as Samhain.
Celebrated at the end of summer, Samhain was a time to honor the deceased.
To ward away evil spirits, people placedcarved jack-o'-lanternson porches and in windows.
Eventually the practice turned intopumpkin carvingand we’ve never looked back!
Here’s everything you’ve ever wondered about the classic Halloween tradition.
Why Are They Called Jack-o'-Lanterns?
How Jack-o'-Lanterns Came to the United States
Irish immigrants brought Halloween to America during the 1800s.
When these settlers arrived in the United States, they discovered pumpkins make perfect jack-o'-lanterns.
Today, thepumpkin carving traditionremains synonymous with Halloween.
Pumpkin carving is also popular in Ireland, England, and other parts of Europe.
