The Story Behind the Jack-O-Lantern

Ever wonder why the Jack-O-Lantern is a Halloween staple? It all started in Ireland..

According to Irish folklore, there was a man named Jack who drank too much on All Hollows Eve. Because of this "evil ways," the Devil demanded Jack return to Hell with him. Jack agreed on the condition that the Devil climb up a tree and pick him an apple.

The Devil agreed.

While he was in the tree, Jack carved a cross on the trunk preventing the Devil to come down. Jack promised to release him on the one condition that when he died, the Devil would not claim his soul.

The Devil agreed.

A year later, Jack died from drinking too much. Because of his "evil habits" he was denied entry into Heaven, and because he made the deal with the Devil, he couldn't go to Hell.

The Devil gave him a lit piece of coal to help Jack find his final resting place. Jack carved out a turnip and placed the coal inside to make a lantern to help him find his way through the night.

The Irish kept the legend going by carving turnips, potatoes, and beets to make lanterns to help Jack find his way. When the Irish came to America, they found that pumpkins were more abundant and cheaper than turnips.

Thus, the Jack-O-Lantern.