jackolanterns

A jack-o'-lantern is a carved lantern created from a pumpkin or other gourd, traditionally displayed during autumn Halloween celebrations. In its most common form, a pumpkin is hollowed out, a face or scene is cut into the rind, and a light source—historically a candle, now often an LED or electronic light—is placed inside to illuminate the design.

The name derives from folklore about Stingy Jack, and the term jack-o'-lantern has been used in Britain and Ireland for centuries to describe a haunting light. In the British Isles, lanterns were often carved from turnips, potatoes, or large gourds, and lit with a coal or wax candle; when Irish and Scottish emigrants settled in North America, pumpkins, which are larger and easier to carve, became the preferred material.

Construction typically involves cutting a top or lid, removing seeds and pulp, trimming the inner walls to uniform thickness, transferring a pattern, and fitting a light source inside. People may scrape the inner wall thinner near the cut to maximize illumination and carve features such as eyes, nose, and mouth.

Culturally, jack-o'-lanterns are associated with Halloween and autumn decoration in many parts of the world, especially the United States and Canada. They are commonly displayed on porches, windows, and in yards, sometimes accompanied by other seasonal imagery. Modern variations include different shapes, painted or crafted gourds, and the use of battery-powered or solar lights for safety.