The Jack-O'-Lantern

The Humble autumn gourd known as the pumpkin has become the most prevalent symbol of Samhain for both pagans and non-pagans, mostly due to the practice of carving them into jack-o'-lanterns.  The jack-o'-lantern is at least 2000 years old.  The first were made in Ireland, and were simple faces carved in turnips which could be easily carried if one needed to travel during the night.  They were designed to frighten away evil spirits who were following deceased loved ones and blocking their way into the Land of the Dead, and also to protect the living.  Today, jack-o'-lanterns are still usually carved with leering faces, and are seen as offering protection through the dark October nights.



Faces-rather than other available and more abstract designs-were not chosen at random to be carved onto the jack-o'-lanterns.  The ancient Celts considered the head the most sacred part of the body, and at one time, even held a cult-like veneration for it.  In battle the Celtic warriors would take the heads from their enemies and mount them on top of poles to guard their villages and encampments.  For them, the head was not only seen as the center of learning, but also as the seat of the immortal soul, and therefore a repository for all knowledge.  In death, as in life, it was believed that the attributes of a person of strength and agility (such as a warrior) were able to be used as a continual protective force.



The most famous head of protection was that of the Celtic God, Bran the Blessed, whose noble noggin was mounted high on the site where the infamous Tower of London now stands.  As insurance against future invasions, he was turned to face the English Channel, from where the greatest threat to the islands always came.



But despite these ancient beliefs, all jack-o'-lanterns do not have to have faces with eyes, nose, and mouth.  There are many creative uses for the pumpkin, and a variety of unique ways to carve them.  Visit any craft store or seasonal display area of your supermarket in October and you will find an array of intricate carving tools and patterns for putting detailed pictures on your pumpkin.  Many of these are very pagan, with drawings of Death, flying witches, and smiling ghosts the most popular patterns.



Even if you don't have the time or interest to devote to these detailed carvings, you can still make your jack-o'-lantern a little different.  Try carving stars, hearts, interlaced knots, or pentagrams instead.



You can cut the top off smaller pumpkins and gourds, and use them as candleholders in your home, circle, or for a party.  Medium-sized pumpkins can be turned into lovely luminaria to light party guests' or trick-or-treaters' way to your door.  Luminaria, a Latin word meaning "lights," are usually seen at Christmas and are made by placing candles or other lights in paper bags.  Both of these Luminaria have the same function---to light the way for night travelers and friendly spirits.



To make Luminaria, instead of opening your pumpkins from the top, open them from the side by carving a wide circle in them.  Scoop out the insides as you would for a regular jack-o'-lantern.  Cut a few small holes in the top to let the heat escape and place a small votive candle in the center.  Set these outside with the open sides shining over your walkways.  (Be sure to blow them out before you go to bed!)



As part of the harvest feast, pumpkins are served in many forms: cakes, cookies, casseroles, puddings, and breads.  But the best loved and most familiar is the scrumptious pumpkin pie which adorns the harvest tables of both pagans and non-pagans from Mabon to Thanksgiving.



The Sabbats A New Approach to Living the Old Ways