Origin of The Jack O' Lantern, and "What's a Turnip Got to Do With It?"

Did you know why we carve pumpkins for Halloween, and why they are called Jack O' Lanterns?

Well, it turns out that the tradition comes from old Irish folklore about some trickster name Jack, and the original lanterns were carved from a turnip (or a potato, or the nearest root vegetable.) 

When Irish immigrants came to America, they brought the tradition along while rejoicing in the more easily carved indigenous fruit - the pumpkin!

Added bonus, yummy seeds for midnight snacking...

The original jack o' lanterns bear little resemblance to some of the amazing sculptures found these days. (Pumpkin sculpture by Ray Villafane. )

More details can be found by visiting these links: 

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/abroad/the-story-of-jack-o-lantern-if-you-knew-the-sufferings-of-that-forsaken-craythur-1.4065773

https://www.britannica.com/story/why-do-we-carve-pumpkins-at-halloween

Related: 

https://www.azcentral.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/2014/10/17/photos-pumpkin-carvings-by-ray-villafane/17457783/

https://www.fatherly.com/play/turnip-jack-o-lantern-halloween/

https://twistedsifter.com/2011/10/10-jaw-dropping-pumpkin-carvings-by-ray-villafane/

https://fruitsandveggies.org/stories/top-10-ways-to-enjoy-turnips/ (scroll down to see the recipes) 

 

Scary Snacks!

I found a bunch of ideas and recipes for scary snacks! Great for that Halloween party or just for fun for our creepy nerdy friends... (these are terms of endearment, dearies...) 

Spider Web Nacho Dip : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/11/

Stuffed Pepper Jack O' lanterns: 

http://foodandphotography.blog.com/2011/10/27/stuffed-peppers-jack-o-lantern-style/

Bread Stick Bones : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/17/

Rice Krispie Treats Zombie BRAINS! : 

http://rickabamboo.com/2014/09/rice-crispy-treat-zombie-brains/

Jack O' Lantern Mandarin Cups : 

http://www.becomingabentoholic.com/2012/10/jack-o-lantern-mandarin-orange-cups.html

Popcorn Witch's Hand : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/18/

Pretzel stick/cheese Brooms :

http://images.agoramedia.com/everydayhealth/gcms/healthy-kids-halloween-treats-ALT-10-pg-full.jpg

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/8/

Creepy Carrot Hand Cheese Dip : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/42/

Celery Mummies : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/23/

3 Kinds of Deviled Eggs : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/32/

Hot Dog Mummies : 

http://seakettle.com/?p=4433

Icky Hot Dog Fingers : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/29/

Owl Crackers : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/60/

Mummy Toast : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/2/

Pizza Fingers : 

http://www.listotic.com/64-non-candy-halloween-snack-ideas/3/

Caterpillar Grape Kabobs:

http://aspottedpony.com/fun-for-kids/healthy-and-fun-snack-for-kids-caterpillar-grape-kabobs/2932/