Jack-o'-lanterns are pumpkins that have been carved as part of the festivities and decorations of Halloween. Jack-o'-lanterns are most often carved with the face of someone real or imagined, frequently a scary one. A candle or other light is placed inside the jack-o'-lantern to illuminate it and create a spooky apparition for Halloween night.

The source of jack o lanterns is the legend of Stingy Jack, a character from Irish tales. He tricked the devil into not taking his soul upon his death, but was so odious a character that he wasn't allowed to enter heaven either. He was forced to eternally wander the world, lighting his way with a lantern made from a turnip. He took on the nickname "Jack of the Lantern" or simply "Jack-o'-Lantern". http://www.history.com/topics/jack-olantern-history Immigrants brought the tale and the tradition from Europe to America, but used the larger and more easily carved pumpkin instead of turnips, potatoes or beets. http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/CEP/CEPFCS/BuzzNewsltr/2005/Oct.pdf

The pumpkin chosen for a jack-o'-lantern is usually shaped to suit the face that is going to be carvedon it. A circular cut is made around the stem and the seeds and pulp inside are removed. A face is scratched or drawn on the surface of the pumpkin, and the face emerges as pieces of the pumpkin are carved away. Once complete, a candle or other light source is placed in the jack-o'-lantern, the top is replaced, and it is put on display.

Once carved, the jack-o'-lantern is not used for food, although it can be fed afterwards to livestock, assuming it is in edible shape. The seedstaken from the pumpkin can be roasted and eaten, providing potassium and vitamin A. http://bexar-tx.tamu.edu/CEP/CEPFCS/BuzzNewsltr/2005/Oct.pdf

To insure that a pumpkin chosen will last as long as possible:

• Choose a ripe pumpkin
• Keep the jack-o'-lantern cool and dry
• Choose a pumpkin without bruises or blemishes
• Choose a pumpkin that still has a stem
• Instead of carving the face, paint it on