Smologies #29: PUMPKINS with Anne Copeland
Ologies with Alie Ward
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The Origins and Traditions of Jack-o'-lanterns
This chapter explores the history and origins of Jack-o'-lanterns, tracing it back to ancient times. It discusses how the tradition of carving Jack-o'-lanterns started with Irish and Scottish kids carving them out of turnips or potatoes. The chapter also delves into the story of Jack tricking the devil and being condemned to wander the earth with a lantern made from a turnip. It mentions the festival of Samhain, a Gaelic festival that marked the Celtic pagan New Year, and draws connections to the Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The chapter concludes with a question about white and pink pumpkins.
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