Why We Carve Faces in Fruit (Jack‑o’‑Lantern)
11th October 2025 by | UncategorizedBefore pumpkins, there were turnips. In Ireland and Scotland, people carved grimacing faces in roots and set a light inside to ward off mischief on the liminal night; immigrants in America found pumpkins a better canvas,
and the glow grew with them. The folktale often cited is Stingy Jack — doomed to wander with an ember. Today’s porch grin still has peat‑smoke roots.
Gemma
The past is never silent
Sources: History.com explainer; National Museum of Ireland note (with historic carved turnip).
Legend, not verified history.