Pumpkins adorned with terrifying faces carved out and lit by candles are an unmistakable sign of Halloween. This tradition, known as Jack-o-lantern carving, originated in Ireland where Halloween began; today it has become part of American culture as well. The name comes from an Irish folktale about Stingy Jack.
Stingy Jack was known for playing practical jokes on his neighbors, friends and family; eventually turning his attention towards the Devil. Jack managed to trick him into changing forms before trapping him; when God forbade the Devil from taking Jack's soul due to his cruelty and miserliness. Instead, the Devil provided Jack with one ember to guide his way for eternity - leaving a trail of light behind as Jack wandered the Earth forever more. Upon their immigration into America from Ireland came traditions such as carving Jack-o-lanterns made popular through Irish traditions - although turnips were more suited than pumpkins due to their nativeness and ease.
A jack-o-lantern is a type of lantern typically constructed from pumpkin flesh; however, variations such as mangelwurzel, rutabaga or turnips may also be used to construct them. They have become synonymous with Halloween due to an Irish legend; its use serves to scare away vampires with its flickering lights as many superstitious individuals believed that its flickering light attracted vampires who then tried breaking into houses by targeting its light source.
