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THE PUMPKIN AND JACK-O-LANTERN

6TH GRADE

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The Celtics that lived in what is now Ireland, Great Britain and Northern France carried a lantern when they walked on the eve of October 31st. These lanterns were carved out of big turnips and the lights were believed to keep the evil spirits away. Children carved faces in the turnips. These carved turnips were called “jack -o-lanterns”

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Legends say that the “jack-o-lantern” got its name from a stingy and mean old man, named Jack, who when he died was too mean to get into heaven. When Jack went to hell, he was met by the Devil who gave him a piece of burning coal and sent him away. Jack placed the burning coal in a turnip to use as a lantern to light his way. The legends claim that Jack is still walking with the lantern looking for a place to stay.

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When the earlier settlers went

to America, they found the big,

round, orange pumpkins.

Being larger and much more

colorful than turnips, the pumpkin

made great “Jack-o-lanterns”.

The pumpkin replaced the turnip.

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As the setters spread across America, they took their Halloween celebrations with them. The custom of “Jack-o-lantern” travelled with them.

The pumpkin became the most widely recognized symbol of the Halloween holiday.

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1934 PARADE