Jack-O-Lanterns

With our favorite holiday just around the corner we wanted to add a few fun posts about the season and its origins!

Here is some cool information about the Jack-o-Lanterns

A jack-o'-lantern is typically a carved pumpkin. It is associated chiefly with the holiday of Halloween and was named after the phenomenon of strange light flickering over peat bogs, called ignis fatuus or jack-o'-lantern. In a jack-o'-lantern, typically the top is cut off, and the inside flesh then scooped out; an image, usually a monstrous face, is carved onto the outside surface, and the lid replaced. At night, a light is placed inside to illuminate the effect. (Sources taken from Wikipedia)

• Since 1995, trick or treating in the town of Sandusky, Ohio, has been against the law for anyone older then 14.


• Pumpkins originated in Central America.


• It is very rare for a full moon to occur at the same time as Halloween. It has only occurred in - 1925, 1944, 1955, and 1974. The next time it is said to occur is 31 October, 2020.


• Pumpkin seeds can be roasted as a snack.
• The word Halloween appeared in the Dictionary in the 1700s.


• Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.


• Dunking for apples arose from a practice of divining the future. It was believed that if you could hold an apple between your teeth you would have a fulfilling romance with whomever you choose.


• The name pumpkin originated from "pepon" – the Greek word for "large melon."


• According to ancient superstitions, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, you'll see your future spouse.


• Colonists sliced off pumpkin tips; removed seeds and filled the insides with milk, spices and honey. This was baked in hot ashes and is the origin of pumpkin pie.


• The pumpkin is one of the best sources of Vitamin A.