Did you ever wonder why pumpkins are associated with Halloween? Well, I did so I looked it up.
The tradition of carving vegetables seems to have originated in the British Isles. Particularly in Ireland, turnips, potatoes, and beets were carved and illuminated with pieces of burning coal and set on porches or in windows to represent the souls of departed loved ones in celebration of All Saints Day and All Souls Day (celebrated on November 1st and 2nd respectively to remember departed loved ones in heaven and those who may be in Purgatory) .
In the mid-1800s, over a million Irish citizens immigrated to North America to escape the Potato Famine. They brought with them their rich traditions including the carving of vegetables. Turnips, potatoes, and beets were not as readily available in their new homeland, but pumpkins were in abundance. Hence, pumpkins were carved and illuminated instead.
I'm not big on carving pumpkins. I put so much effort into picking just the right ones that I can't bear the thought of cutting them up.
However, Rob and Harper are not of the same opinion when it comes to the sanctity of pumpkins and I may get out voted this year...
Oh well. I do enjoy roasted pumpkin seeds, so all is not lost.
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