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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
this holiday 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, Hall oween 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 and easier to carve, it seemed the perfect choice for
the 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. Contrary to what some believe, Witchcraft also know as
Wicca, is a benevolent natured based religion who's roots can be traced back some 28,000
years. Witches do not worship the devil, in fact they don't even believe in the existence
of the devil. Their religion forbids the casting of harmful spells.
This religion and off-shoots of it exists today.
For more information be sure to read The Origins of Halloween by
Rowan Moonstone in our Featured Articles section.
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