Jack O' Lantern's bright...a Ghastly Sight!
Nothing says Halloween like the grin of a spooky pumpkin....Eyes
Eyes glowing in the dead of night.
The shadow of large, sharp teeth cast against the wall.
Paints a frightening picture doesn't it? But alas, what would Halloween be without a good fright? The art of carving up fruits and vegetables for all hallows eve began in Ireland in the 19th century. Hollowed out turnips and mangel wurzels were carved with terrifying faces to ward off evil spirits or represent supernatural beings. This practice was common during the Celtic festivals of "Samhain", the night the dead would roam the Earth. These carved oddities would also be placed on the windowsills of homes that did not want a visit from anything supernatural. Samhain and other European festivals would later become what we know as Halloween or the eve of All Saints Day, celebrated on October 31st. Pumpkins carved with horrible and frightening faces would become known as "Jack O' Lanterns" and would represent the pagan holiday as well as become a image of horror in many stories and feature films, such as Washington Irving's Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
The Jack O' Lantern has also become a symbol for fall and Halloween. Much like the Easter Bunny for Easter and Santa Claus for Christmas. As September rolls around, pumpkins will become visible in every store.
However, the goal now is to not ward off evil spirits, but rather to tap into one's pocketbook or wallet. Halloween is one of the most finaically successful holiday's in America, and one of the biggest sellers are pumpkins. Although, more than the times have changed. The frightful faces that once warded off evil, have been replaced by smiling ad joyful appearances designed to bring laughter and delight into the home or office where the Jack O' Lantern is placed.
However, make no mistake about it, behind the often crooked, toothless grin lies a legacy of darkness. When the lights are out and all that flickers is the glow that comes from that hollowed out head, stop and stare at it a minute. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you look into those yellow and red eyes. Feel the goosebumps run up your arm as you stare at that deceptive smile.
Tell yourself, it is only a pumpkin...or is it something more...something supernatural...something evil....