You’re probably wondering why I chose such a strange image for my Happy Halloween wishes. This photo is of a Jack-o-lantern carved from a turnip instead of the traditional pumpkin. However, it seems that our pumpkin carving tradition has it’s roots in turnips. The legend varies, but the gist stays the same. Jack, usually known as a farmer (and often an unfriendly one), was being pursued by the devil because it was his time to go. Jack wouldn’t go so easily, and was able to capture the devil using trickery that varies from tale to tale. No matter what variation of capture you read, Jack makes a deal with the devil… he will let the devil go free if he promises to never take his soul to hell. Unfortunately for Jack, he is not welcomed to Heaven either, and is doomed to roam without a light. Feeling a little pity, the devil threw Jack a bit of hell fire that will burn for all eternity. Jack’s bright idea (no pun intended) was to gut his favorite food, a turnip, and create a lantern. Thus, for all time, Jack became “Jack of the Lantern” or “Jack-o’-lantern” if you prefer.

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween whether your Jack-o-lanterns or made of pumpkin or turnip (see photo).