Pumpkin tidbit

Title: Pumpkin tidbit

Ever wonder how pumpkin carving began?  While theologians might question its validity, it's still fun to know how such a tradition started.  It originated in Ireland, where, according to legend, a drunkard names Jack ran into the devil on a country road.  The devil wanted the man's soul, but Jack had other plans.  He asked the devil to climb a nearby tree and fetch him an apple.  When the devil obliged, Jack carved a cross into the trunk of the tree, trapping the devil in its branches.  Jack then made him promise never to ask for his soul again. 

When Jack died, he was not admitted to heaven.  Desperate for a resting place, Jack went to the devil, who also turned him away because of their bargain.  The road back was dark and windy, so the devil tossed Jack a coal from hell's fire to light his way.  To prevent the wind from extinguishing the coal, Jack placed it inside a turnip.  Since that fateful night, Jack of the Lantern or Jack O'Lantern has been travelling the world searching for a place to rest. 

Irish children traditionally carved turnips and potatoes to light the night on Halloween.  The custom was brought to America in the nineteenth century by Irish immigrants.  Since turnips were not as readily available here, pumpkins became the popular substitute. 

Just some pumpkin trivia for you all.....

Jan Canyon
Tukwila, home of almost awesome pumpkin (maybe next year)

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