Pumpkin Carving
In October, it is very common to see pumpkins with faces and designs carved into them. These carved pumpkins are typically called jack-o-lanterns. Pumpkin carving has become a fun family tradition in the United States that centers around Halloween festivities.

Pumpkin
Originally, this idea came from the Irish and is called the legend of Jack O' Lantern. The Celtic tradition says that Jack was a mean old man who played tricks on people and when he died he was not welcome in heaven or in hell. His glowing soul was kept in a hollowed out turnip. To keep the fable alive and to ward off evil spirits, the Irish would carve out turnips and place a candle inside. When the Irish immigrated to the United States, they began using pumpkins, which were easier to carve than turnips. Today's Halloween celebration on October 31st overlaps with the Celtic celebration to remember family and friends who have passed away.

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