What Is JACK-O'-LANTERN? JACK-O'-LANTERN Definition & Meaning
Channel: Audiopedia
Date: 04/11/2018

What is JACK-O'-LANTERN, What does JACK-O'-LANTERN mean, JACK-O'-LANTERN meaning, JACK-O'-LANTERN definition, JACK-O'-LANTERN explanation

A jack-o'-lantern (or jack o'lantern) is a carved pumpkin, turnip, or other root vegetable lantern[1], associated with Halloween and named after the phenomenon of a strange light flickering over peat bogs, called will-o'-the-wisp or jack-o'-lantern. Its name is also tied to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a drunkard who bargains with Satan and is doomed to roam the Earth with only a hollowed turnip to light his way.

Jack-o'-lanterns are a yearly Halloween tradition that came to the United States from Irish immigrants. [2]

In a jack-o'-lantern, the top of the pumpkin or turnip is cut off to form a lid, the inside flesh is scooped out, and an image — usually a monstrous or comical face – is carved out of the rind to expose the hollow interior. To create the lantern effect, a light source, traditionally a flame such as a candle or tea light, is placed within before the lid is closed. However, artificial jack-'o-lanterns with electric lights are also marketed. It is common to see jack-o'-lanterns on doorsteps and otherwise used as decorations prior to and on Halloween.
Source: Wikipedia.org