The tradition of decorating jack-o-lanterns originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as early canvasses. In fact, the name jack-o-lanterns comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.

Let us talk about the legend of “Stingy Jack” I don’t know about you, but that part makes me want to know more about what, why, and how this person was later known as Stingy Jack.

According to what I have read & heard. Stingy Jack invited the Devil, yes that guy, for a drink. However, once the drinking was finished, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink. He stands up and says to the Devil, turn into a coin so I can pay for our drinks! Laughing, the Devil agrees to this. A few moments later, Jack picked up the coin & was about to pay for the drinks when he thought I’ll make the Devil make a promise. Instead of paying for the drinks, Jack put the coin in his pocket next to a holy cross keeping the Devil from reverting back.

The Devil

speaks to Jack at once, so what do you have in mind since you have trapped me? Without a second thought, Jack says, leave me alone for a year & if I was to die, you are not allowed to take my soul. The Devil agrees then jack sets him free. The Next year came around while Jack was waiting for the Devil to appear. Oh! Jack came up with another way to trick the Devil. Once the Devil appeared, Jack said, please indulge my last request before you take me away. The Devil responds, what do you want? Oh, Jack says would you climb up that tree and pick me that yummy fruit? I can’t reach it. The Devil does just that & climbs up the tree. At once, he notices Jack smiling. He asks, why are you so happy? I’m about to take you to the underworld. Your soul will be mine for all time. Jack tells him there is a cross on the tree. Once again, the Devil makes a deal with Jack not to come after him for ten years, and if he was to die, his soul could not be claimed by him. The Devil agrees, and jack sets the Devil free once again.

Soon after, death claimed jack; however, God would not take in such a man. The Devil kept to Jack’s deal; he did not claim his soul, yet he was not allowed into heaven or hell. So the Devil came up with something of his own & sent Jack into the dark abyss with only a lump of burning coal. Jack soon found a turnip and thought to carve out this turnip. Afterward, he put his burning coal inside the carved-out turnip. Forever to wander the earth. This ends the folklore about how “Jack of the lantern” became “Jack O’ Lantern.” Today, even ghostly figures in Ireland & Scotland still refer to Jack as a ghostly spirit that haunts the area. Not long after, people put carved-out potatoes on their windows and near the door to frighten away “Stingy Jack” & other wandering evil spirits. Later in years in England, large beets were being used instead of potatoes. Such traditions were later passed down as people from all over the area immigrated to other countries. Years later, everyone started to enjoy all the bright colors and cheerful glees of children. Soon after, the tradition hit the United States, and pumpkins were quickly found as the native fruit making it perfect to be called

“Jack-o-lanterns”

The End,

Thank you for reading my short history story. Have a great day. Don’t Forget To Scare Off Jack This Year.