Jack-o'-lantern

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For other uses, see Jack-o'-lantern (disambiguation).

Image:Jackolantern.JPG A jack-o'-lantern is a pumpkin, turnip or rutabaga whose top and stem have been carved off and interior removed to leave a hollow shell. It can also refer to a will o' the wisp. Sections of a side are carved out to make a design, usually a face. It is possible, using thicker and thinner sections cut with differing tools, to create surprisingly detailed and realistic designs. A light source (traditionally a candle) is placed inside the pumpkin and the top is put back into place (often after a "chimney" is carved in the lid in order to allow heat to escape). The light illuminates the design from the inside. The practice of carving jack-o'-lanterns began in Ireland. Jack-o'-lanterns are generally made for Halloween, in Europe were originally made from large turnips, beets, and rutabagas, before the introduction of the pumpkin from the Americas (generally pumpkins are more common these days).

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Tradition rooted in folklore

Image:Jack-o'-Lantern 2003-10-31.jpg The practice of carving a jack-o'-lantern goes back to the Irish legend of Jack, a lazy but shrewd farmer who used a cross to trick the Devil, then refused to free him unless he agreed to never let Jack into Hell. The Devil agreed. When Jack died, he was too sinful to be allowed into Heaven, but the Devil wouldn't let him into Hell. So, Jack carved out one of his turnips, put a candle inside it, and began endlessly wandering the Earth for a resting place. He was known as "Jack of the Lantern", or Jack-o'-Lantern.Template:Fact

There are variations on the legend. Some of which include:

The Devil mockingly tossing a coal from the fires of Hell at Jack, which Jack then places in the turnip.
Jack tricking/trapping the Devil a variety of ways, including placing a key or other item in the Devil's pocket when the Devil is suspended in the air or plucking an apple from a tree.
Jack's bargain with the Devil being different. In some variations, the deal is only a temporary bargain, but the Devil, embarressed and vengeful, refuses Jack entry after Jack dies.

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