The Origins of the Turnip Jack O' Lantern: A Surprising History

When it comes to carving pumpkins for Halloween, many people assume that this tradition has its roots in Ireland, where the myth of Stingy Jack and his lantern is said to have originated. However, a closer look at the history of jack o' lanterns reveals that turnips were actually the preferred choice for carving faces with candles inside.

In England, particularly in Worcestershire, people carved similar lanterns from turnips as early as the 18th century to ward off unwanted visitors. It's likely that these lanterns were inspired by the Celtic tradition of carving vegetables for special occasions, rather than using them for decoration.

So why did pumpkins eventually become the go-to choice for jack o' lanterns? According to historical accounts, turnips seemed hard to come by when Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their traditions to America. As a result, people began carving faces into potatoes and turnips to frighten away Stingy Jack (or other wandering spirits) by placing them in doorways or windows.

The story of Stingy Jack himself is a fascinating one. According to legend, Jack was a trickster who outsmarted the Devil on multiple occasions, earning him a place in Irish folklore. After his death, he was doomed to wander the earth for eternity, using a burning coal from hell to light his way and carve a cross into the bark of a tree to ward off evil spirits.

The name 'jack o' lantern' is believed to come from Stingy Jack's association with these glowing lanterns, which were said to be made from turnips. While pumpkins may have eventually become more popular for carving, it's interesting to note that turnips played an important role in the history of jack o' lanterns.

In this article, I've explored the surprising history behind the turnip jack o' lantern and its connection to Stingy Jack, a figure from Irish folklore. Whether you're carving pumpkins or turnips for Halloween, it's worth remembering that there's more to this tradition than just a simple pumpkin!

Reddit turnip jack o lantern