Saturday, February 6, 2010

Jack-o'-lantern

This is another magnetic bookmark in a die-cut Jack-o'-lantern design. I got this free from a trade show in Hongkong.

A jack-o'-lantern (sometimes also spelled Jack O'Lantern) is typically a carved pumpkin. It is associated chiefly with the holiday Halloween. The tradition of carving a lantern started in the UK. However it was traditionally carved from a swede or a turnip. They were carved on All Hallows' Eve and left on the door step to ward off evil spirits. An offering or, as we know know it, a "treat" would also be commonly left, as it was feared if you didn't the demons and spirits would fiddle with property or live stock (play a "trick"). Once the tradition moved to the USA it was adapted to the carving of a pumpkin as these were more readily available and easier to carve. The ritual of "trick or treating" was soon invented to re-create the coming of demons and ghouls on the night to dwellings requesting a treat (which is now traditionally given as candy)or a trick would be played. The demons and ghouls are now of course children dressed up to represent them.

***Wikipedia

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