answersLogoWhite

0

The "Jack-O-Lantern" comes from an Irish legend. A mean old drunk named "Stingy Jack" loved to play tricks on everyone. He even tricked the Devil into climbing an apple tree, and then proceded to cover the truck with crosses, so the devil could not climb back down. He made the Devil promise that he wouldn't take his soul when he died. When Jack finally did die, he went to the pearly gates, and was, of course, denied admittance. He had no choice but to go to the gates of Hell and ask the Devil for a final resting place. The Devil got the last laugh and denied him entrance, but took pity on him having to wander eternity in the dark, and gave him an ember from Hell's fires. Jack put it in a hollowed out turnip to use as a lantern. The British took to using turnip "jack-o-lanterns" on All Hallow's Eve to ward off evil spirits, and the tradition came to North America, where a large squash, the pumpkin, made a much nicer lantern.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is the IRISH creation legend?

If the Irish ever had a creation legend, it has been lost. No creation legend has been found among their myths and legends.


What are some Irish words meaning legend?

In Irish, finscéal, fáithscéal, seanscéal all mean 'legend'.


What is the Gaelic word for pumpkin?

In Irish it's called 'puimcín'. In (Scottish) Gaelic: ???


Is The Salmon Of Knowledge a folk tale?

It is a Irish Celtic Legend.


What does the Irish legend say that stPatrick got rid of?

Snakes.


What is a Carved pumpkin with candle called?

A carved pumpkin with a candle is called a jack-o-lantern. It used to be a turnip with a candle in it. The Celts and Irish invented it but for different reasons.


What was Linus waiting for in the pumpkin patch on Halloween?

In the classic "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," Linus is waiting for the Great Pumpkin to rise from the pumpkin patch on Halloween night. He believes that the Great Pumpkin is a mythical figure who brings gifts to children who truly believe in him. Linus hopes to witness the Great Pumpkin's arrival and prove his existence, showcasing his faith and dedication to the legend despite the skepticism of his friends.


What is the Irish Gaelic translation of the Tír na nÓg legend?

You can read it in Irish here: http://www.rteguide.ie/mythsandlegends/p2_track5.html


What is the origin of Irish storytelling mythology and legend?

The origin of Irish story-telling mythology and legend are the legendary kings of Ireland. These stories include both mythical and historical. Some stories are folktales, hero tales, and myths.


What are the release dates for The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp - 1955 Kelley Was Irish 4-36?

The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp - 1955 Kelley Was Irish 4-36 was released on: USA: 19 May 1959


What is a good Irish name for a cat with cow like colors?

Bo or Cooley, Bo being the Irish word for cow, and Cooley taken from the Irish legend of the Bull of Cooley


According to Irish legend where do fairies that kidnap brides and babies take them?

in fairy mounds