Today in Supercurioso we have investigated and we want to tell you about why pumpkins are used on Halloween. And it is that the popular symbol of the Jack o Lantern is already part of the identity of this festival on a global scale. Let’s know the symbolism of the peculiar pumpkin.
Halloween is the most awaited night of all month of October. The date on which adults and children dress up, take to the streets in search of trick or treating and decorate their homes with the darkest motifs.
The Halloween’s history goes back more than two millennia, when the Irish celebrated, according to the Celtic calendar, the Samhain or end of summer. That’s where many of the halloween traditionswhich have been nurtured and integrated with others typical of modernity.
Learn why pumpkins are used on Halloween
The Jack o Lantern is one of the most endearing symbols in the celebration of Halloween. In fact, These pumpkins carved with spectral eyes and mouths can be seen at the entrances of houses, in store windows., and even in the prints of clothing or gift paper. Illuminated from the inside, they give a gloomy and ghostly appearance.
But have you ever wondered why pumpkins are used on Halloween? why is this healthy orange vegetable has such a close link with Halloween? Well, everything has a spiritual symbolism.
To understand the spiritual meaning of the pumpkin, it is necessary to go back to the past, to the very origin of the festival.
1. The start of the pumpkin on Halloween
Now, Why are pumpkins used on Halloween? Well, this was used as a symbol with which it was intended to scare away those evil spirits. But why a pumpkin? Why those holes and the light inside?
2. The legend of the Jack o Lantern
The first thing to clarify about why pumpkins are used on Halloween is that the specific use of the pumpkin is more recent, although the symbology has remained the same for two millennia.
Then, the Celts began to follow the tradition of carving turnips, lighting them from the inside and placing them at the entrances of their houses. It was also common for those who had to go out on Halloween to take these lamps with them. What was believed was that They represented supernatural beings, and therefore served to scare away evil spirits.
3. The arrival of the pumpkin
It was in the 19th century that great waves of Irish immigrants landed in North America, bringing their traditions with them. The night of witches was one of those that best penetrated American culture. But in those days, to continue celebrating Halloween and warding off evil spirits, the Irish came up with a new way. They met the pumpkin, which was much easier to carve than the turnip. Since then, it has been used year after year.
Nowadays, The great pumpkin harvests in the United States coincide with the celebration of Halloween. Many have become familiar with its decoration, for which the upper part of the stem is cut in the form of a lid and all the meat inside is scraped until it is hollow. Holes in the shape of eyes and mouth are then cut into the shell, and the inside is lit, usually by a candle.
Such is the dedication of North Americans to this tradition that they even organize competitions that seek to choose the best Jack o Lantern.
Other Halloween facts you should know
In addition to knowing why pumpkins are used on Halloween, it is very interesting to learn about other curiosities and symbolism about this holiday. The halloween in the world has not stopped growing.
From the distant Scottish and Irish lands it passed to North America, and from there, its celebration has spread to other countries and very distant localities., such as Europe and some Latin American countries. If you are one of those who enjoys Halloween, do not miss reading these articles to understand it better.
And you, Did you know why pumpkins are used on Halloween? Have you ever practiced the Jack o Lantern, carving a pumpkin in your home? Are you one of those who dress up on Halloween? Dare to leave us all your opinions in a comment. We will be happy to read you!