Where did the use of jack 'o lanterns originate from?

Answer 1

To the best of my knowledge, basically, in the very old days, people would use turnips (used in Ireland and Scotland), potatoes, etc., to carve spooky faces in and supposedly scare off evil spirits. North American immigrants then realized pumpkins would do the job even better, as they are softer, larger and easier to carve than a turnip or potato.

Answer 2

Actually, the term 'jack-o-lantern' comes from 'jack's lantern'. Jack-o-lanterns were not originally even made of pumpkins, but of turnips. Indeed, jack-o-lanterns have adapted very much. The story goes that a man named Jack was so wicked that not heaven, nor even hell would accept him, so he was shunned, and forced to wander the darkness of night forever, with only a turnip with a face for a lamp. When settlers came to the United States, there were not many turnips at all in the area, however there were pumpkins, so they utilised them and now we all use pumpkins and watermelons.

Answer 3

In Ireland but using turnips. The use of pumpkins started with Irish immigrants in America.