While vampires, witches, ghouls and other nocturnal creatures are the usual symbols for Halloween, pumpkins – specifically Jack-o-lanterns are always visible too.
Jack-o-lanterns have always been a part Halloween for centuries. This tradition has originated from an Irish legend Stingy Jack.
As the story goes, Jack’s stinginess had given him his dark faith. While with a devil in a bar, Jack had managed to trick the devil to turning into a coin that they can have drinks. But, instead of paying for the drinks, Jack cunningly put the devil inside his pocket. The devil was not able to regain his true form because Jack had placed a silver cross with the devil. But after a while Jack did let go of the devil under the oath that this devil won’t bother him for a year and if Jack would die during that period, the devil won’t claim his soul.
However, the next year, Jack had tricked the devil once more. This time he made the devil promise that he won’t bother him for ten years and if Jack should die, the devil won’t claim his soul.
Eventually, Jack did die. He was not welcomed by the heaven because of his misdeed. And hell wouldn’t have him either because of the devil’s oath.
So, Jack was set off to wander the dark earth with only a burning coal to light his way.
The Irish had recognized the ghostly figure as ‘Jack of the Lantern’ and soon enough they began carving off scary faces in pumpkins, then placing them into the windows and doors to drive away ‘Stingy Jack’ and other wandering evil spirits.
Happy Halloween Everyone!
ngayon ko lang nalaman tong tale na to! no misdeed goes unpunished ika nga! nice one sis
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