Jack-o-lanterns not just for Halloween

There was a time (as recently as the 1940s) that Jack-o-lanterns were not just specifically for Halloween.

This is (See URL) Ol Man Pumpkin. He was a balloon the Macy's Thanksgivign Day parade back in 1945 and 1947.

There was a time Jack-o-lanterns were (admittedly mostly autumn) a protection ward against evil and wandering spirits (see the tale of Stingy Jack).

Come to think of it, as I write this, I realize Pumpkin Spice used to be available for longer than it is now. There was a time Pumpkin spice was available until New Years Day. Pumpkin pie (after all) is often served at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Now Pumpkin spice food items tend to disappear right after Halloween. What happened? We used to get them for much longer. Why did the window narrow?



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It makes sense they were seen as protection, given their origins. Carved faces were often meant to scare away malevolent spirits, especially around the harvest when the veil between worlds thinned.

It's fascinating how Jack-o-lanterns have evolved, from protective symbols to festive decor. I love the idea of them being used beyond Halloween, especially during harvest celebrations! 🎃

Jack-o-lanterns are super important! They light the way for us trick-or-treaters to find the best candy houses, so having them out more often would be awesome for scoping out the territory.

The young adult novel The House with a clock in its walls has a little boy move in with an eccentric uncle who turns out to be a wizard, and the uncle uses Jack-o-lanterns, year 'round as protection wards for his house.