Halloween: Rooted in Tradition

The end of October is here, which means Halloween is just a few days away. As we enter the last few days of the month, many are prepping for Halloween? Have you purchased candy? Selected a costume? Picked out the perfect pumpkin? Most importantly, have you carved your pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern?

Have you ever wondered why we celebrate Halloween with Jack-O-Lanterns? Or where the tradition of knocking door to door for candy came about? The origins of the Jack-O-Lantern can be found in Britain and date back to the 17th century. David Emery of ThoughtCo.com explains "The name "jack-o'-lantern" is British in origin and dates from the 17th century, when it literally meant "man with a lantern" (i.e., a night watchman)." Emery goes on to explain that Irish immigrants are responsible for bringing the tradition of pumpkin carving to America in the 19th century. Originally, Jack-O-Lanterns were carved from gourds but were changed to pumpkins as pumpkins are much less difficult to carve. 

On the subject of trick-or-treating, Today I Found Out reports: