Jack-O’-Lanterns Were Originally Made From Turnips In Ireland And They’re So Freaky

Carving Jack-O’-Lanterns is one of my favorite Halloween traditions.

There’s nothing quite like visiting a pumpkin patch, finding the perfect pumpkin, then settling in to carve your creation on a cool, fall night. Sure, the “pumpkin guts” are gross and make my arms itch, but the end result is always worth it.

Whether they’re spooky….

Whether they're spooky....

Wikipedia

…or silly, there’s nothing quite like a Jack-O’-Lantern to get you in the Halloween spirit.

...or silly, there's nothing quite like a Jack-O'-Lantern to get you in the Halloween spirit.

Wikipedia

Read More: These 21 Decorative Pumpkin Projects Aren’t Your Average Jack-O’-Lanterns

But did you know that the tradition originated in Ireland and the first Jack-O’-Lanterns were carved from turnips instead of pumpkins?

But did you know that the tradition originated in Ireland and the first Jack-O'-Lanterns were carved from turnips instead of pumpkins?

Wikipedia

Unlike our grinning gourds today, these traditional versions are all sorts of terrifying.

Unlike our grinning gourds today, these traditional versions are all sorts of terrifying.

Wikipedia

According to Irish legend, carved turnips were meant to ward of the evil spirit, “Jack of Lanterns.” After making a deal with the Devil, he was sentenced to roam the Earth for all eternity with nothing but a candle inside a carved turnip to light his way.

According to Irish legend, carved turnips were meant to ward of the evil spirit, "Jack of Lanterns." After making a deal with the Devil, he was sentenced to roam the Earth for all eternity with nothing but a candle inside a carved turnip to light his way.

Flickr / IrishFireside

If you really want to scare the neighborhood kids this year, why not carve some turnips? A word of caution: They aren’t hollow like pumpkins, so it will take a bit more patience to crank one of these babies out.

If you really want to scare the neighborhood kids this year, why not carve some turnips? A word of caution: They aren't hollow like pumpkins, so it will take a bit more patience to crank one of these babies out.

Reddit / thenomenclator

Read More: This Halloween Decoration Was Pulled From Stores Because It Goes Way Too Far

Now we finally have an answer for our First Lady. Turnip for Halloween!

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