History of the Jack O’Lantern

The history of the Jack O’Lantern comes from an old Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack.

Stingy Jack was a guy that everyone disliked, he liked to play tricks on everyone. He would play tricks on family, friends, his mother and even the Devil himself. One day he convinced the Devil into climbing up a tree to get a piece of fruit. Once the Devil made his way up the tree Stingy Jack lined the base of the base of the tree with crosses. While the Devil was stuck up the tree Stingy Jack made him promise that his soul would not go to Hell when he died. The Devil had little choice but to accept the deal if he was to ever get down from the cross-lined tree. Jack removed the crosses and the Devil went on his way.

Years went by and Stingy Jack finally died. He made his way to heaven and was told by Saint Peter that he was not allowed in heaven because he lead a worthless life and was cruel and miserable to those around him. It was at this point he ventured to hell and meet up with the devil. The kept his promise and would not let Stingy Jack into hell. It was at this point Jack realized there was no where for him to go, he was stuck in the darkness between heaven and hell and would wonder there forever. When Stingy Jack was asked to leave by the Devil he said he could not because he had no light to use on his way. The Devil reached below and grabbed a burning ember from the flames of Hell and threw it towards the recently deceased man.

During Stinky Jack’s life he quite enjoyed turnips and would often steal one to eat when he got the chance. Realizing the ember was much too hot to carry in his hands Jack’s craved out the turnip he had and placed the ember inside to light his path.

Stinky Jack began his journey of walking the earth with his Jack O’Lantern with no final resting spot.

On Hallow’s eve the Irish hollowed out turnips, potatoes and other vegetables and placed a candle inside. There original Jack O’Laterns were used to keep away any evil sprits, like that of Stinky Jack. The tradition came to North America with the rush of Irish immigrates in the 1800’s and still exists today.

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