Pumpkin carving has become one of the most iconic traditions of the fall season, especially around Halloween. The flickering glow of Jack-O’-Lanterns on doorsteps- a sight that signals mischief in the air.

Get your little Hobbit feet ready and let’s take a journey through the fascinating history of the Jack-o-Lantern and pumpkin carving. We end our travels, as all Hobbits should, with a recipe for snacks.

etymology

Before Jack-O’-Lanterns lit up our porch, the term jack o’lantern was used in 1600s England to describe lantern-carrying night watchmen. In English folklore, the term referred to mysterious marshland lights known as ignis fatuus (“foolish fire“), which were commonly known as will-o’-the-wisps (Armor Class 19 hahah). These eerie lights were thought to lead travelers astray at night.

The Origins of Jack-O’-Lanterns

The art of carving vegetables is an old tradition (think 500 BC), rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Before pumpkins, people in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales carved grotesque faces into turnips, beets, and potatoes. Candles were placed in these carved veggies and placed outside of homes or carried as lanterns meant to protect and ward off evil wandering spirits.

Historians link the tradition of calling the carved root vegetable a Jack-O’-Lantern, to the Irish folk tale of Stingy Jack, a legendary figure known for outwitting the devil not once, but twice!

The Legend of Stingy Jack

The tale of Stingy Jack originates from Irish folklore, dating back several centuries, long before the tradition of the Jack-O’-Lantern made its way to America. According to the legend, Stingy Jack was a deceitful and miserly blacksmith who had a habit of tricking everyone he encountered, including the devil himself.

 

In one famous version, Jack invited the devil for a drink (classic Jack), but didn’t want to pay. Instead, he convinced the devil to turn into a coin to settle the tab, pocketed the coin and trapped the devil next to a silver cross he was also carrying. Jack eventually let him go, but only after making the devil promise not to claim his soul for ten years.

 

Ten years passed and the devil returned to collect Jack, but once again, Jack tricked him. This time, he asked the devil to climb a tree and pick him an apple as a last meal. While the devil was up in the tree, Jack trapped him once more by carving a cross into the tree. Jack only let him down after the devil promised never to take his soul.

 

Eventually, Jack died, but because of his sinful life, he wasn’t allowed into Heaven. True to his word, the devil, bitter but bound by their deal, also refused to let Jack into Hell. Instead, the devil sent him off into the dark night with only a glowing ember to light his way. Jack placed this ember inside a hollowed-out turnip to make a lantern, and from then on, he was doomed to wander the Earth for eternity as “Jack of the Lantern,” later shortened to Jack-O’-Lantern.

When the Tradition Came to America

Stingy Jack became especially popular in Ireland during the 19th century. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, they found that pumpkins, native to the New World, were larger and easier to carve than turnips, giving rise to the modern-day pumpkin Jack-O’-Lantern that lights up doorsteps every Halloween. Pumpkins quickly became the canvas for Halloween carvings, and the Jack-O’-Lantern, as we know it, became a central part of American Halloween celebrations.

The Headless Horseman
The Headless Horseman is a chilling figure from American folklore, most famously brought to life in Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. In the story, a ghostly rider, said to be the spirit of a Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannonball during the Revolutionary War, roams the countryside at night in search of his missing head. In place of his lost head, the spectral horseman is often depicted carrying a menacing, glowing pumpkin, which he hurls at anyone unlucky enough to cross his path.

 

The story of the Headless Horseman was popularized in 1820 when Washington Irving published The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as part of his collection titled The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. While Irving’s version is the most famous, the concept of a headless rider dates back to European folklore, with variations appearing in German, Irish, and Scandinavian tales long before the American story. In The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Irving adapted these older legends, blending them with American Revolutionary War history to create the iconic tale that has endured for over two centuries.

The Rise of Pumpkin Carving in the U.S.

By the early 20th century, pumpkins had cemented their place in American Halloween festivities. Carving pumpkins became a fun activity for families, blending the Irish folklore with American customs. Over time, the practice expanded beyond simple designs, and by the 1970s, elaborate pumpkin carving contests began popping up. Today, thanks to the internet and social media, pumpkin carving has become an art form—one that combines creativity, skill, and sometimes, a touch of geek culture!

Popular Pumpkin Carving Techniques

Whether you’re a seasoned carver or a beginner, there’s a technique for everyone. Here are a few approaches to pumpkin carving that can take your Halloween decorations to the next level.

Classic Cut-Out Carving

This is the traditional style most of us are familiar with. You start by hollowing out the pumpkin and then cutting simple shapes to create a face or other designs. Tools like serrated knives, saws, or pumpkin carving kits work best for this method. The simplicity and timelessness of the classic Jack-O’-Lantern never go out of style.

Pumpkin Etching

For more intricate designs, etching involves shaving off the outer layer of the pumpkin’s skin without cutting all the way through. By carving different depths, you can create multi-dimensional designs. This technique allows for stunning light effects when the pumpkin is lit from within.

3D Pumpkin Sculpting

Taking things to the next level, 3D sculpting turns pumpkins into realistic works of art. This technique is more advanced and requires special sculpting tools, chisels, and patience! Master sculptors can create detailed faces, monsters, or even scenes from popular movies and TV shows.

Using Stencils

Stencils can help beginners create more detailed designs. You can print templates of spooky shapes, beloved geek culture icons, or even your favorite movie characters to trace onto your pumpkin. Then, use carving tools to carefully cut or etch the design into the surface.

Lighting Effects

Lighting is an essential part of making your Jack-O’-Lantern come to life. Instead of just using a candle, consider LED lights or glow sticks to create unique lighting effects. You can even combine multiple colors or flickering lights to enhance your design’s spookiness or charm.

Get Inspired: Geeky Pumpkin Carvings

For a fun twist on traditional designs, many carvers turn to their favorite fandoms for inspiration. YouTube has countless videos featuring nerdy pumpkin carvings, such as Star Wars characters, The Legend of Zelda symbols, or Harry Potter houses. Whether you’re into comics, video games, or sci-fi, there’s likely a tutorial out there for you!

Here are a few YouTube channels and tutorials to check out:

Roasty Toasty Pumpkin Seeds

Carving pumpkins leaves you with a pile of gooey pumpkin innards, but don’t toss those seeds! Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack. Here’s a simple recipe to get the most out of your pumpkin leftovers:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon, or chili powder

Instructions:

1. Clean the Seeds: Separate the seeds from the pumpkin pulp. Rinse them thoroughly and pat dry.
2. Season: Toss the seeds in olive oil or any other oil (avacado, sunflower, vegetable). Add in your seasonings (my favorite lately has been sea salt and Jamacain Jerk).
3. Bake: Spread the seeds in a single layer on a foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy. I like to use my toaster oven, but whatever you perfer.
4. Enjoy: Let them cool slightly and enjoy as a crunchy, seasonal snack!

Repurposing Your Pumpkins for Wildlife

Once Halloween is over, don’t just toss your Jack-O’-Lantern in the trash! Pumpkins are biodegradable and can provide a tasty treat for local wildlife.

How to Feed Wildlife with Pumpkins:

• Birds & Squirrels: Break your pumpkin into smaller pieces and leave them in your yard. Birds and small animals like squirrels love snacking on pumpkin flesh and seeds.
• DIY Bird Feeder: Cut your pumpkin in half, hollow it out, and hang it in your yard, filling it with birdseed for a festive, eco-friendly bird feeder.
• Do you have Chickens? Chickens LOVE pumpkins and the antioxident beta-carotine in pumpkins give yolks their orange color
• Composting: If you have a compost bin, pumpkins break down easily and provide excellent nutrients for your garden.