TRIVIAL PURSUITS: What Was the Original Jack O' Lantern?
But the tradition didn’t start with carving pumpkins – what was the original object of these carvings?
Answer: Turnips.
But in what country did the tradition of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns begin?
In what country did the tradition of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns begin?
Answer: Ireland
That's right, Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.
Do you know who the “jack-o’-lantern” is named after?
Who is the “jack-o’-lantern” is named after?
Answer: The name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.
You can read more about it at http://www.history.com/topics/jack-olantern-history
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