Happy Halloween!

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Happy Halloween, dear reader!

I've always had a soft spot for this holiday. The decor, the ambience... There's just something about carving a jack o' lantern when there's a nip in the air that just butters my biscuits it's what I'm saying.

And wonder of wonders if the history of one of Halloweens primary staples doesn't involve a story.

You ever hear the legend of the jack o' lantern dear reader? Well, fear not because you're about to.

Originating in Irish folklore, a callous fellow by the name of Stingy Jack once made a deal (or deals) with the devil whereby he traded his soul for copious amounts of coin and drink only to trick the devil into trapping himself once the bounty was given. To gain his freedom the devil agrees to alter their bargain to never claim Jacks soul and so, seemingly freed from all consequence, Jack frees the devil and sets about living a life of unadulterated debauchery.

Only here's the thing: Jacks still mortal.

Whether as a result of his various misdeeds, gross abuse of his liver, or the slow decay of time Jack finally dies. And, wouldnt you know it, he doesn't make the cut to get into heaven. The devil however wants nothing to do with him either and so Jack is condemned to roam without rest for all eternity, wandering only at night and with but a single ember from hell to light his way.

Seeing as how no one likes to hold an internally burning ember Jack began stealing turnips from peoples gardens to use as a lantern, earning the permanent title of “Jack of the Lantern.”

Every Halloween when the veil between our world and the spirit world grows thinnest Jack could be seen wandering the night and so people began carving turnips into Jack o' lanterns themselves to light their doorstep and create a barrier of light to keep Jack from imposing his wretched company.

Now you might have noticed I said turnips there.

Yes, that’s right. turnips were the OG jack o' lanterns but when the Irish came to America turnips were both hard enough to grow and expensive enough as a result that the humble pumpkin took its place.

A simple change you might say, but a lasting one. For who today thinks "Halloween" without having an orange smile twinkling back at them?

So always remember, dear reader: life is full of stories.

Just remember to stay safe tonight while you're out making some of your own!

Until next time.