Here’s to selection and carving, your favorite spice, mac ’n’ cheese, and more!
| | | Thank you, Cheri Gardner in Canisteo, NY, for this week's cover image! | Jack-o’-lanterns—those unmistakable symbols of October and Halloween—originated in Ireland. They sprang from the supernatural yarn of Stingy Jack, a scoundrel who is cursed to wander between Heaven and Hell for eternity with only a hollowed-out turnip to light his way.
Yup: a turnip. Our pumpkin-carving traditions started with other vegetables, including potatoes and other gourds besides pumpkins. Irish immigrants brought the practice to America, but it didn’t gain popularity—especially with pumpkins—until after the tale of a headmaster haunted by the specter of a headless horseman became a must-read in 1820. Perhaps you’ve heard of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”?
While pumpkin-carving was once associated with protecting a home from malevolent spirits, today it’s just good fun—and a great way to kick off the month! It’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy, in the moment and for weeks after. What’s more, it’s easy to share pictures of your creations with socially distanced family and friends!
Inspired and ready to pick out the perfect pumpkin? Don’t head out until you read our Five Tips for Picking the Perfect Pumpkin! After you have your gorgeous gourd selected, it’s time to carve!
Did you know? Your favorite fall flavor contains no pumpkin. It’s also not a new creation created by coffee companies. Read all about the history of pumpkin spice—this article might make you crave it even more!
Pumpkin is delicious, though: Check out these Quick and Easy Tips for Cooking Pumpkins, including some delicious seasonal offerings like Pumpkin Pancakes and Pumpkin Harvest Soup.
Of course, things could get pretty spooky if we didn’t mention one of our all-time favorite pumpkin recipes: Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese!
Finally, we want to see your 2020 jack-o’-lanterns! Share your creations with us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
As sure as the Sun will rise and set each day, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is here for you, now and always.
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| On mounting a rising ground, which brought the figure of his fellow-traveler in relief against the sky, gigantic in height, and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck on perceiving that he was headless!—but his horror was still more increased on observing that the head, which should have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the pommel of his saddle! –Washington Irving (1783–1859), American writer, in his short story “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” |
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| | | While we don’t recommend using pumpkins to cure snakebites, we do recommend them for carving, baking, and decorating! Learn more about pumpkins (and how to grow them yourself). |
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