The Quick Answer
Jack-o'-lanterns started in Ireland and Britain as carved turnips and other root vegetables. Irish immigrants in North America used pumpkins instead.
The Story
People carved faces into turnips, potatoes and beets, sometimes to make lanterns for Halloween night. When Irish families came to North America in the 1800s, they found pumpkins were larger and easier to carve.
Legend vs. History
The folk tale of 'Stingy Jack,' who tricked the Devil and wandered with a coal in a turnip, explains the name — it's a legend, not history.
Tell the Kids
“Long ago in Ireland, people carved spooky faces into turnips! When they moved here, they found pumpkins worked even better.”
Did You Know?
You can still see old carved turnip lanterns in some museums in Ireland — they look much scarier than pumpkins.
Try This Tradition
Carve one small turnip or potato alongside your pumpkin for an 'old-style' lantern.