Why do we carve pumpkins at Halloween?

Answer 1

It is believed that the custom of making jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween, from turnips or pumpkins, began in Ireland. In the 19th century, turnips, hollowed out to act as lantern frames and often carved with grotesque faces, were used at Halloween in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. The purpose was simple: by illuminating the scary face carved into the vegetable it was believed that the souls of the dead would be frightened away from homes thus ensuring the safety of the occupants and the next harvest.