What were the original jack o lanterns made from turnips

What were the original jack o’ lanterns made from? Turnips.

Introduction

When it comes to Halloween, one of the most iconic symbols is the jack o’ lantern. These eerie faces carved into hollowed-out vegetables create a spooky atmosphere during this festive season. While pumpkins are commonly used today, did you know that the original jack o’ lanterns were made from turnips? Yes, that’s right! Turnips were the traditional choice for carving these Halloween decorations. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of turnip lanterns, bringing you fascinating insights about the origins of this popular Halloween tradition.

History of Turnip Jack O’ Lanterns

The tradition of carving faces into vegetables to create lanterns can be traced back to ancient Celtic times. It was during the festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, that people in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales would carve turnips and other root vegetables into lanterns. These lanterns were meant to ward off evil spirits and provide protection for their homes and families.

Why Turnips?

Turnips were chosen to make jack o’ lanterns due to their abundance in these regions during the harvest season. In addition to their availability, turnips were believed to have protective powers against supernatural creatures. The idea behind carving scary faces into these lanterns was to frighten away any evil spirits that may have been roaming the earth during this time of transition. The soft glow emitted by the candle placed inside the turnip lanterns added to the mystical ambiance and helped to ward off any unwelcome visitors.

Transformation to Pumpkin Lanterns

The tradition of carving turnip lanterns eventually made its way across the Atlantic when Irish and Scottish immigrants brought it to America. These immigrants soon discovered that pumpkins, which were native to North America, were much larger and easier to carve. With their thick walls, pumpkins also provided a more hollow space for the candle, resulting in a brighter glow. The transition from turnips to pumpkins as the preferred material for jack o’ lanterns was a natural evolution that took place over time.

Conclusion

Turnip jack o’ lanterns have a long and fascinating history, starting from ancient Celtic times to the present day. These small root vegetables were once believed to have the power to protect against evil spirits during the festival of Samhain. Although pumpkins have now become the dominant choice for carving jack o’ lanterns, turnips hold an important place in the origins of this Halloween tradition. So, the next time you marvel at a glowing pumpkin grinning on someone’s porch, remember that it all began with a humble turnip.