PT I : Who Is Jack o Lantern In Halloween

We all know the traditional Halloween celebration, but why does this holiday feature a scary pumpkin as its emblem ? Who is it really ? Today, we’re going to talk about the history of Jack-o'-Lanterns.

Wicklow, Ireland – October 23, 1770

Jack Stingy, whose real name was Jack, was once a resident of the village of Wicklow in Ireland. He was a man whom the villagers had come to tolerate without truly accepting him. His appearance was untrustworthy: unkempt hair, a poorly maintained mustache, worn-out pants, and a patched-up satchel he never left behind. He often spent his days wandering through the village alleys, usually drunk.

Although he was never seen stealing, aside from a few apples at the market, the locals suspected him of petty crimes. Jack was particularly known for avoiding paying his debts. He always found excuses to dodge his obligations, whether for a service or a commission. Even at the tavern, he sometimes managed to get drinks paid for by charitable souls, but over time, the villagers grew wary of him. Only passing travelers continued to fall for his tricks. His reputation even spread beyond the village, and he became known as Jack the Stingy.

Stingy Jack And The Devil

Jack’s nights were often spent at the "Wicklow Square" tavern, where he drank and mingled with bad company. One night, during the Samhain festival, as the full moon shone brightly, Jack was approached by a figure cloaked in a long cape and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. It was the devil himself, come to claim his soul.

"Here you are, Jack," said the devil. A long time, I’ve been watching you. It’s time for you to come with me; I have a special place reserved for you in hell."

Though Jack had been prepared for this moment, he wasn’t intimidated. He proposed one last trick before leaving:

"If my time has come, so be it. But before I go, grant me one last drink !"

The devil, amused by the request and in no hurry, agreed. He transformed into a sixpence coin to pay for the drink, but Jack grabbed the coin and slipped it into his pocket, where he kept a small silver cross. The devil, trapped by the cross, couldn’t return to his normal form. Jack, proud of his trick, offered a deal: he would free the devil in exchange for ten years of peace. Furious, the devil agreed.

10 years later...

Ten years later, the devil found Jack near an apple tree. This time, it was finally time to collect his soul. Ever the trickster, Jack asked the devil to pick him one last apple before they left. Satan climbed the tree, but Jack seized the opportunity to carve a cross into the trunk, trapping the devil once again. Jack made a new deal: the devil had to promise never, ever to take his soul. With no other choice, the devil agreed once more and returned to hell empty-handed.

How Did Jack O Lantern Get Its Name

When Jack died, he was not accepted into heaven due to his life of vices. Desperate, he turned to hell, but the devil reminded him of their deal : his soul couldn't enter hell either.

Condemned to wander in the Limbo, the devil gave him an ember to light his way. Jack placed this ember in a turnip he had carefully hollowed out, and the devil named him Jack of the Lantern. Since then, he roams without rest, lantern in hand, between the world of the living and the dead.

Every year on Samhain, Jack reappears, carrying his lantern, awaiting the Final Judgment.

PT II : Symbolism And Meaning Of Jack-o-Lantern

Is Cunning Good or Bad ?

Jack is a cunning man who manages to trick the devil several times. However, his cunning is not without consequences: although he escapes immediate fate, he is ultimately condemned to a life of wandering. This story reminds us that our actions have repercussions. Trickery and deceit, even if they seem to benefit us in the short term, can end up backfiring in the long run.

Pacts And Promises

Jack makes a pact with the devil, but this agreement prevents him from entering both heaven and hell. This raises an important reflection on the promises we make and the commitments we take. We must be aware of the potential consequences of these agreements, as they can have a greater impact on our destiny than anticipated.

The Search for Redemption

Jack's punishment is to wander between the two worlds without ever finding rest or a destination. This theme can be interpreted as a representation of the quest for inner peace and redemption. Jack thus illustrates the importance of finding a balance between our actions and life choices, and the difficulty one may face when remaining trapped by past mistakes.

Light In The Darkness

Jack-o’-lantern's lantern, made from a hollowed-out turnip with a glowing ember inside, is a powerful symbol. It represents light in the darkness, the search for truth, and protection against malevolent spirits. This lantern reminds us of the importance of safety and clarity in our lives, even when we go through difficult or dark times.

Change and Progress

The legend of the Jack-o'-lantern also touches on the theme of transformation. Jack, once cunning and deceitful, is ultimately transformed into a wandering soul, perhaps seeking a path to redemption. This highlights the possibility of changing our fate and evolving as individuals, despite past mistakes.

Legend Analysis

Overall, this legend invites us to reflect on our actions, the importance of honesty, and the responsibility of our choices. It also highlights the need to find light and balance in our lives while reminding us that we are the architects of our own destiny. Additionally, through the Halloween

celebration, this story reminds us of the presence of darkness and malevolent spirits that we seek to ward off with the light and protection of our own lanterns.

Samhain and Halloween

The legend of Jack-o'-Lantern is closely tied to the festival of Samhain, an ancient Celtic celebration marking the end of the year and the beginning of the new one. According to the legend, Jack tricks the devil on this particular night, which plays a key role in his story. Indeed, it is during the Samhain night that Jack, using his cunning, traps the devil twice, leading to his punishment of wandering between the worlds of the living and the dead with a lantern. This connection with Samhain strengthens the link between Jack-o'-Lantern and Halloween traditions, adding a historical dimension to this iconic symbol.

Turnips and Halloween

During the Samhain celebration, the Irish would hollow out turnips and carve or paint faces on them. They placed candles inside to replicate the lantern of Jack the Cursed, hoping that this depiction of a damned soul would scare away the spirits.

Between 1845 and 1850, a severe potato shortage led to a particularly deadly famine. Over 700,000 Irish people emigrated to America, bringing with them their Celtic traditions and the story of Jack O’Lantern. However, since turnips were not abundantly available in their new homeland, the immigrants used pumpkins instead, which were easier to hollow out. Since then, the famous Halloween pumpkins have been known as Jack O’Lanterns !

PT III : Jack-o-Lantern In Entertainment

Jack-o-Lantern in Movies

1. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

In the United States, the most notable movie where a character is called "Jack Pumpkin" or "Jack Pumpkin King" is The Nightmare Before Christmas. In this film, the main character, Jack Skellington, is also known by the title "Pumpkin King" of Halloween Town. This Tim Burton film has become a cult classic for its Halloween and Christmas themes, as well as its unique stop-motion animation style. Jack Skellington, as the "Pumpkin King," embodies the very spirit of Halloween in the film and is often depicted with a pumpkin head in iconic scenes.

2. Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Although this film does not feature a character named Jack-o'-Lantern, the Headless Horseman frequently uses a pumpkin head as a symbol, reminiscent of the Jack-o'-Lantern legend.

3. Pumpkinhead (1988)

Pumpkinhead is an American horror film directed by Stan Winston, the renowned makeup artist and special effects creator. The film tells the story of Ed Harley (played by Lance Henriksen), a man seeking revenge after the accidental death of his son. Desperate, Ed turns to a local witch who summons a demonic creature called Pumpkinhead to track down and kill those responsible for his son's death.

Jack-o-Lantern in TV Series

1. Supernatural

Jack-o-Lantern in Video Games

1. MediEvil

2. Borderlands

3. World of Warcraft

4. Persona

5. Pumpkin Jack

Developed by Nicolas Meyssonnier and published by Headup Games, Pumpkin Jack was released on October 23, 2020. In this game, you play as Jack, a mythical soul residing in a pumpkin. The game is set in a colorful yet haunted world where you navigate various levels by jumping, fighting, and solving puzzles. The devil has cursed the Earth with the apocalypse, and you, Jack, are his champion, resurrected to spread chaos and destroy all hope for humanity. The game combines platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving elements with a strong Halloween-inspired aesthetic.

6. Jack o Lantern Fortnite

The character "Jack Gourdon" is a skin available in the game, featuring the classic appearance of a Halloween pumpkin.

7. Jack o Lantern in Minecraft

- Pumpkin

- Jack-o'-Lantern

A carved pumpkin with a torch placed inside, used as a light source. Pumpkins and Jack-o'-Lanterns in Minecraft are often used in decorative builds, especially during Halloween periods.

8. Animal Crossing

In Animal Crossing, Jack-o'-Lanterns mainly appear during the Halloween event, known as "Halloween" or "Spooky Day." Each year in October, players can participate in Halloween-related activities, including creating and collecting Jack-o'-Lanterns. You can craft Jack-o'-Lanterns using pumpkins you grow in the game. There are Jack-o'-Lanterns of various sizes and shapes, used to decorate your island during the event.

Comics and Manga

1. Marvel Comics

2. DC Comics

Literature

1. R.L. Stine's Goosebumps

Conclusion

The legend of the Jack-o'-Lantern, with its iconic character Jack Stingy, represents a fascinating blend of folklore and cultural traditions. Originally, Jack was a miserly and deceitful man condemned to wander with a lantern after tricking the devil multiple times. This Irish legend, rooted in the ancient celebrations of Samhain, has evolved into a quintessential symbol of modern Halloween. The transition from turnips to pumpkins to create the Jack-o'-Lanterns we know today reflects the cultural changes and practical adaptations made by Irish immigrants in America. This shift from ancient tradition to contemporary custom demonstrates how stories and symbols can reinvent themselves while retaining their core essence.

It is precisely to celebrate this timeless emblem that we decided to open the Jack Pumpkin store. Our store is entirely dedicated to products inspired by the Halloween pumpkin, an area that, to our knowledge, had not been explored as thoroughly before. We take pride in extending this iconic tradition by offering a unique range of products that honor and perpetuate the spirit of Jack-o'-Lantern through the ages. Today, Jack-o'-Lanterns are not just Halloween decorations; they have also permeated popular culture through various media. From movies and video games to comics and role-playing games, Jack-o'-Lantern continues to inspire and captivate. Whether through the character of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas or the various incarnations of Jack-o'-Lantern in video games and comics, this symbol remains a key element of Halloween celebration, blending mystery, tradition, and creativity. In summary, the story of Jack-o'-Lantern is a compelling example of how legends and traditions can evolve and transform while maintaining a special place in our celebrations and culture. With Jack Pumpkin, we are committed to bringing this emblem to life through our products, contributing to the enrichment of this age-old tradition.

We invite you to explore our collections !