|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The History of Carving Pumpkins
|
| Without a doubt the
most recognizable symbol of Halloween is a pumpkin carved into
a jack-o-lantern. To understand the origins of how pumpkin carving
began and what it really means we must first take a look at
the holiday itself. How long has Halloween been around? Have
there always been pumpkins carved? Here are some answers! |
|
|
| For most of the general population it
is known as Halloween and is a night for dressing up, telling ghost
stories, having spooky parties, trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving.
What most people don't know is that Halloween is actually based on
an ancient Celtic holiday known as Samhain (pronounced "sow wan"),
which means "summer's end".
It was the end of the Celtic year,
starting at sundown on October 31st and going through to sundown
November 1st. It was a night to honor loved ones that had passed
on since the veil between their realm and ours is at it's thinnest
on that night.
|
 |
Celebrated for centuries by the
Celts of old, Witches and many other nature based religions,
it is the most magical night of the year. It is the Witches'
New Year, and the Last Harvest. Although the religious significance
of it has passed for the general public, Halloween is a "magical"
night for all! |
|
| On this magical night, glowing jack-o-lanterns,
carved from turnips or gourds, were set on porches and in windows
to welcome deceased loved ones, but also to act as protection
against malevolent spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used
inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.
When European settlers, particularly
the Irish, arrived in American they found the native pumpkin
to be larger, easier to carve and seemed the perfect choice
for jack-o-lanterns. Halloween didn't really catch on big
in this country until the late 1800's and has been celebrated
in so many ways ever since!
|
 |
|
| Pumpkins are
indigenous to the western hemisphere and were completely unknown in
Europe before the time of Columbus. In 1584, the French explorer Jacques
Cartier reported from the St. Lawrence region that he had found "gros
melons", which was translated into English as "ponpions," or pumpkins.
In fact, pumpkins have been grown in America for over 5,000 years.
Native Americans called pumpkins "isquotersquash."
Did you know
that pumpkins are not a vegetable - they are a fruit! Pumpkins,
like gourds, and other varieties of squash are all members of the
Cucurbitacae family , which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and
melons.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Copyright
© 2007 - 1996, U S A.
 LarryPoss.com,
All Rights and Materials Reserved.
|
|
 |
