| Jack-O'-lantern is carved out from pumpkin or turnip in the form of monster's face with holes, cutout in the form of eyes, nose and mouth.
Initially, turnip was used in making jack-o-lanterns. In particular, this easily available edible root was used by ancient Celts to manufacture jack-o-lantern, which frightened evil spirits and fairies on New Year night (many customs of Halloween – Legacy, Celt’s New Year) and did not allow a traveler to lose one’s way. The same lanterns were used to protect the habitations from evil-minded other world visitors.
When the immigrants from Europe arrived in the New World, they replaced the turnip with pumpkin since pumpkins were aplenty and cultivated much better (in addition, pumpkins can be easily hollowed-out and looks far more effective). Since then, particularly pumpkin became main Halloween symbol and main colors – orange and petunia (petunia designates darkness, in which the spirit of Jack wanders). Particularly these shades are used in Halloween decorations and picture post cards.
Halloween is a cheerful festival, when disguised children go around to houses, demanding food and gifts, threatening misers with revenge of evil spirit. “Pumpkin face”, or Jack-O'-lantern has become the symbol of “All Saint’s Day” - lantern from pumpkin, made in the form of face with eyes and sharp-toothed mouth and also a witch on a broom. On the eve of holiday, jack-o- lanterns with lit candle are arranged near windows of American houses to misguide the evil spirits, which think that the house has already been occupied by one of the evil spirits, and hence do not enter the house.
How to make Jack-o-Lantern?
Place the pumpkin on several sheets of paper so as to create less garbage. By using a sharp lengthy knife, Cut a circular hole around the stalk. Tilt the point of the knife into the centre of the pumpkin.
This will stop the lid from falling in. The cut out opening should be big enough to shove a hand inside. Scoop out the seeds and any loose flesh using the dessertspoon and the knife if needed. Sketch the face onto your pumpkin. Use a biro so any mistakes can be scrubbed off with a scouring pad or fingernail. Carefully cut out the features. Take small cuts and use a puncturing motion rather than a slicing one. Gently scrape away the flesh on the inside of the face until it is only 1cm thick. Mark a circle the size of your candle or tea-light in the centre of the base by using a knife. Carefully hollow out the marked area with the teaspoon. Place your candle in the hollow, light it and replace the lid of your jack-o'-lantern. Now, you are ready to celebrate Halloween.
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