Why do we carve pumpkins? [Jack O'lanterns]
#history #historical #historyfacts
Stingy Jack is a character in Irish folklore who is said to have outwitted the devil on multiple occasions. According to legend, Jack was a miserly and deceitful man who tricked the devil into climbing a tree and then carved a cross into the trunk, trapping him there. Jack made a deal with the devil to let him down if he promised not to take his soul when he died. When Jack eventually died, he was barred from entering both heaven and hell because of his sinful ways. The devil, true to his word, refused to take Jack’s soul and instead gave him an ember from hell to light his way as he wandered the earth for eternity. The Irish began carving faces into turnips and potatoes and placing candles inside them to ward off Stingy Jack and other malevolent spirits on All Hallows’ Eve.