Why pumpkin is used for halloween

Modern pumpkin-carving, though, is often done for entertainment. While carving faces onto the pumpkins is still popular, enthusiasts also carve different designs. Some organizations distribute patterns that members can use for pumpkin-carving.

For example, students might use a pattern to carve the name or symbol of their school on a pumpkin. Pumpkin-carving contests and pumpkin-throwing contests are also popular at Halloween.

There are 30 varieties of pumpkin, but the one most commonly used for carving jack-o'-lanterns is the Connecticut field variety. The pulp of this variety is stringy and not the best for eating. A sweeter variety is preferred for baking. The colonists may have developed an early version of pumpkin pie by filling a hollowed-out pumpkin with a blend of spices, milk, and honey and then roasting it over hot ashes. Pumpkin is a source of potassium, vitamin A, and other nutrients.

It can be used in pies, breads, cakes, cookies, soups, and other foods. There are about seeds in a pumpkin, and these can be roasted or dried for eating. Pumpkin blossoms can also be used in recipes. Not all pumpkins are orange. Some varieties yield white, tan, yellow, or even blue produce. Pumpkins come in a wide range of sizes, too. Miniature pumpkins weighing less than two pounds might be used in table centerpieces.

Giant varieties can weigh more than a thousand pounds. While the common jack-o'-lantern pumpkin is round, there are varieties that are flat and other that are bumpy. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell.

He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved-out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with ever since. In England, large beets are used. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us!

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