Creepy costumes, spider web decorations, candlesticks and candy are some of the symbols of Halloween, the festival of Celtic origin that has been adopted internationally. But of all the elements of Halloween, the pumpkin is undoubtedly the most emblematic.
It is common to see pumpkins, real or plastic, lighting the porches of homes celebrating the celebration Halloween night. They are also used as containers for children to go trick-or-treating on October 31, or to spend an afternoon carving with friends.
Get ready for Halloween with these 13 horror movies to watch on Netflix: one for every day
Why did the pumpkin become a symbol of Halloween? This tradition has its origins in Celtic culture in the 18th century Irelandand begins with the same celebration on October 31.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/XOLTOBGNCABMVTEALLJSEVHA.jpg)
Samhain, the first Halloween
Every year the Celts celebrated the Samhain, a festival that marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter. It was believed that during this night, the dead returned to the land of the livingand it was his duty to drive them away.
According to Celtic tradition in Ireland, candles were inserted into carved turnips to make lanterns, lighting the way back to the dead.
Horror trails: historical and mysterious places in Ecuador, ideal to visit during the Halloween season
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/4GCXQKZ4FBA6PHU6P4JW6UGXZU.jpg)
During the 19th century, with the arrival of the Irish to the United States, the holiday of Samhain continued to be celebrated, with minor modifications. instead of turnips pumpkins were used as many grew on American farms, and soon a legend of the area was born.
Halloween events to celebrate in Guayaquil
Jack O’Lantern
The history of the iconic pumpkin is collected in the book Jack O’Lantern: the history of Halloween’s most famous symbol by Michael D. Bell.
According to legend, there was a man named Jack who managed to deceive the devil twice. The devil gave Jack an ember from hell so he could fight his way through the darkness, so he stuck the ember in a pumpkin to scare away evil spirits, creating the famous Jack-o’-lantern.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/eluniverso/I44W7BMTUJGNDDKB3RIMAB2UOQ.jpg)
Soon, American homes adopted the celebration of Halloween and incorporated these more typical elements. Today, the pumpkin still represents Halloween on posters, costumes and decorations.
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
