The Stingy Jack Legend That Lit the First Jack-o’-Lanterns

Ancient Roots in Folklore

Did you know the first jack-o’-lanterns weren’t pumpkins at all? Long before the glowing orange faces lined American porches, people in Ireland and Scotland carved eerie faces into turnips and beets. These lanterns were tied to a centuries-old legend about a man known as “Stingy Jack.” According to folklore, Jack tricked the devil multiple times, but when he died, neither heaven nor hell would take him. Cursed to roam the earth, Jack carried only a hollowed-out turnip with a burning coal inside to light his way. Locals carved their own lanterns to ward off his wandering spirit, giving rise to what we now call the jack-o’-lantern.

The Journey Across the Atlantic

When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought the tradition to America in the 1800s, they found that pumpkins—native to the continent—were far easier to carve. Larger, rounder, and sturdier than turnips or beets, pumpkins quickly became the new canvas for the tradition. Over time, what began as a spooky way to keep “Stingy Jack” away evolved into one of the most iconic symbols of Halloween.

Pumpkins Take Center Stage

By the late 19th century, jack-o’-lanterns had become a fixture in American celebrations. Communities hosted carving contests, families displayed their creations on doorsteps, and the glowing pumpkin became a hallmark of fall. The tradition spread rapidly, eventually shaping the modern image of Halloween that we recognize today. Today’s jack-o’-lanterns range from simple grins to intricate masterpieces, with competitive carving events drawing participants from across the country.

The Symbolism of Light

Beyond their folklore origins, jack-o’-lanterns represent the blending of old-world traditions with new-world resources. The glowing pumpkin face not only honors Celtic folklore but also embodies the spirit of adaptation and creativity. For immigrants arriving in America, carving pumpkins was more than just a holiday activity—it was a way to preserve cultural identity while embracing the opportunities of a new land.

A Tradition That Endures

Every fall, millions of Americans carve pumpkins with friends and family, carrying on a practice that dates back hundreds of years. The tools may have changed—saw kits, stencils, and even power tools—but the heart of the tradition remains the same: bringing people together to create, to share stories, and to light up the night with a warm, flickering glow.

Jack-o’-lanterns remind us that traditions can evolve while holding on to their original meaning. From protecting homes against wandering spirits in Ireland to becoming the centerpiece of Halloween festivities in America, the jack-o’-lantern has traveled a long way—both in geography and in spirit. This Halloween season, when you light a pumpkin on your porch, you’re part of a centuries-old story that bridges folklore, family, and celebration.