The History of the Jack-o-Lantern

[Sunshine73]

I'd never read this before and thought it was very interesting reading. I found it on the HistoryChannel.com.

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=716&display_order=3&mini_id=1076

 

[Sifreynir]

it is an interesting article I never heard the Irish myth before. I have a friend who studies Irish history in Dublin I will see if she heard anything of it.

I have never in my life ever carved a face into a beet!! I am sorry but as a child in England we carved Turnips, same as they do in Scotland. They may have carved beets further south...but where I came from it was neeps lol

There is also a reference in a book called Sea Kingdoms by Alistair Moffat which says that one reason for these carved heads is because of the celtic beliefs of the soul residing in the head.
Celtic chiefs would behead their enemies thus stopping their souls from being at peace. Around Samhain these heads would be put on large poles and fires lit to keep evil spirits at bay.
I am sure it was a frightening sight to behold...a large circle of rotting heads with the light of the bonfire shining through!

thanks for sharing

Sifreynir

 

[clarebear]

Thanks for sharing.