In some quarters it is believed that the custom of making jack-o'-lanterns at Hallowe'en time began in Ireland in the 19th century. Turnips or mangel wurzels were hollowed out to act as lanterns and often carved with grotesque faces on Hallowe’en in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. They placed a light in them to ward off evil spirits and keep Stingy Jack away.
These were the original Jack- o’-lanterns, but a couple of waves of Irish immigrants went to America and the Irish immigrants quickly discovered that pumpkins were bigger and easier to carve out. So they used pumpkins for Jack-o’-lanterns and it’s a tradition we still use today!
Normally at this time of year our intrepid Halloween Team would be carrying out pumpkin carving events at our Client’s properties, but unfortunately due to the Covid-19 situation we are unable to undertake these fun work events this year. The events are always well attended and great fun and all carved pumpkins are taken home by the participants to ward off evil spirits and Stingy Jack.
Fingers crossed for next year!
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