So who thought of Jack O Lanterns? I was curious so I did some research today. I thought I would share this info from history.com.
The practice of decorating "jack-o-lanterns" - the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack - orginiated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an intergral part of Halloween festivities.
The Legend of "Stingy Jack"
People have been making jack-o-lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack." According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn't want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack form one year and that, should Jack die, he wouldn't claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years. Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God wouldn't allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his work not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as "Jack of the Lantern," and then, simply "Jack O'Lantern."
In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack's lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o'lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found pumpkins, a fruit native to America, perfect for jack-o-lanterns.
We have two pumpkins at home. My son couldn't decide what style to carve on his pumpkin so I don't think we will have a jack-o-latern this Halloween. Maybe he will rush home after training and get the pumpkin carved.
Delicious Pumpkin Soup recipe from Martha Stewart website.
I used to roast the pumpkin seeds but its too much work to get them clean, season, then back. I will just buy a bag of pumpkin seeds. Ha!
One thing I do love about this time of year... Pumpkin Bread and Pumpkin Pie. I love pumpkin flavored stuff! I just purchased some Pumpkin Pie flavored coffee creamer last night. It's delicious in my coffee! I used to buy the Pumpkin Pecan bread mix at Costco. It's delicious but this year I will make some homemade from scratch Pumpkin Bread. Here is the recipe if you'd like to try this recipe.
Well, my kids are too big to trick or treat this year so I will be home crocheting and handing out candy. Thinking my kids can hand out the candy while I crochet. I hope we get a visit from my Grandson JJ. I think he is Mickey Mouse this year. My other grandkids are in Salinas so I can't wait for my kids to post pics of them in their Halloween costumes!
Last night I was working on my Dish and Stitch Etsy shop packaging. All of my items will be wrapped in brown packaging with a tag. I love opening packages so my customers will probably love it too!
This is what my carry all basket looks like right now. I'm crocheting beanies and beards. Things are looking good so far for my Etsy Shop and it's only the end of October. People are shopping early this year... that's good for me so I'm not crocheting the week of Christmas like my fingers are going to fall off. Seriously... my fingers hurt last year! But I love orders! This is my busy time of year. Need a beard beanie, or a earwarmer or headband... shop my Etsy Store!
Be safe tonight! Happy Halloween!
Cherie
