The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns”—the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack—originated 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 integral part of Halloween festivities. read more
Turnips and potatoes were the original canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities. read more
They would use this "scary" prop to frighten townspeople by holding them in front of the windows of their homes. While I do not know the significance of switching from a turnip to a pumpkin, one might presume it was done for greater impact when it evolved from being an act of mischief to a decorative tradition. read more