Dani Loves Halloween!: All About Pumpkins

This page is dedicated to everything to do with pumpkins: carving, patterns, unique jack-o-lantern photos, etc. Enjoy!!!

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How the Jack o'Lantern Got Its Name

The tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween comes from a tale in Irish folklore. A clever and crafty farmer named Jack tricked the Devil into climbing a very tall tree. Just as the Devil reached the top of the tree, Jack quickly carved a large cross in the trunk that made it impossible for the Devil to climb down. The Devil promised to never tempt Jack with evil again if Jack would let him come back down. Years later when Jack passed away he was shunned from Heaven for his sins and turned away from Hell because of his clever trickery. Condemned to wander the Earth without rest, Jack took a turnip from his garden, borrowed a hot ember from the Devil, and used the turnip as a lantern to light his weary way thus forever being known as “Jack of the Lantern.”

How to Carve a Halloween Pumpkin

Jack o'lanterns are an inviting way to greet your guests at Halloween and carving one or several pumpkins is a unique way to express your creativity. Follow the instructions below and you'll be on your way to a fun conversation piece that your trick-or-treating visitors won't soon forget!

Instructions

1. Select a fresh pumpkin in the size and shape that fits the design you have in mind. Be sure not to choose a one with knicks or bruises because this means the pumpkin may be starting to rot and simply won't last as long. In this case, the harder the better.

2. There are several carving tools on the market that make cutting into the pumpkin easy and safe, are readily available in the fall season, and ideal for children. For adults, however, a chef's knife will do the job.

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3. Cut a large hole around the stem of the pumpkin that is large enough for you to get your hand through and carefully remove the stem.

4. Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, clean out the insides of the pumpkin as thoroughly as you can until the inside is smooth and clean. Some people like to save the seeds and bake them. Check out a great Pumpkin Seed Recipe on this blog!

5. If you're using a pattern (check out some cool ones on this blog), tape it to the side of the pumpkin you have chosen for the front. Using a pumpkin poker tool, follow the pattern and gently "poke" your way around the design. You don't have to go all the way through the pumpkin but just enough to see where the cutting lines will be.

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6. Remove the pattern and using your carving tool, start from the center of the design and work your way to the outside of the design. Also, do the more intricate parts of your design first so they don't cave in later.

7. When finished, insert a candle or a battery-powered light inside your pumpkin and enjoy!

Feel free to share your photos and unique jack-o-lantern designs!!

Pumpkin Carving Patterns

There are tons of ideas out there for patterns to carve on pumpkins both in book form and on the Internet. One book entitled, "Extreme Pumpkins" by Tom Nardone, is an excellent resource for anyone interested in some unique carving ideas.