Halloween (or All Hallow’s Eve) is the celebration of the end of the harvest season in the ancient Gaelic culture, but when did carving pumpkins become such a tradition and who or what began this widely popular tradition?
the tradition of pumpkin carving originated in Europe, circa 500 BC. It’
s original intent was for illumination; Gourd fruits, most particularly pumpkins, would be hollowed out, a candle or other light producing object placed inside, with sticks or staffs inserted at the bottom to carry them. The carving of the gourds, in particular pumpkins, was to drive away evil spirits, and to illuminate the way for those who had crossed over. The Irish were most notably the first of the European natives to begin this tradition, carrying it with them to America as part of their ingrained culture.
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the tradition of pumpkin carving originated in Europe, circa 500 BC. It’
s original intent was for illumination; Gourd fruits, most particularly pumpkins, would be hollowed out, a candle or other light producing object placed inside, with sticks or staffs inserted at the bottom to carry them. The carving of the gourds, in particular pumpkins, was to drive away evil spirits, and to illuminate the way for those who had crossed over. The Irish were most notably the first of the European natives to begin this tradition, carrying it with them to America as part of their ingrained culture.
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witchpractitioner for 23 years
in the Gaelic culture it was a traditional ritual to carve scary faces and expressions into gourds to keep evil spirits at bay during the ritual or something like that, first answerer explained it best though
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