To ward off restless souls, people donned costumes and carved frightening faces into root vegetables such as beets, potatoes, and turnips-usually plentiful after the recent harvest. On Samhain eve, October 31, spirits of the dead were thought to mingle with the living. The idea took deeper hold during the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was originally celebrated on November 1 and inspired many traditions of modern-day Halloween. “It’s quite macabre, but it may have symbolized the severed heads of your enemies.” “It may even have had pre-Christian origins that evolved from the custom of head veneration, or potentially even represented war trophies taken from your foes,” says Nathan Mannion, senior curator for EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, in Dublin. The concept of using a round fruit or vegetable to depict a human face goes back thousands of years in some northern European Celtic cultures. Although the legendary Headless Horseman and his hurled pumpkin have been scaring Americans for generations, jack-o’-lanterns actually trace their origins back centuries to Old World traditions in countries including Ireland, England, and Scotland.Īlong the way, pagan rituals, freaky folktales, and natural phenomena have interwoven to create a fascinating history that’s part fact, part fiction, and all frightfully fun. The backstory of jack-o’-lanterns, including how they came to star in Halloween decor and why they’re carved in the first place, is a tale worth telling. For decades, carving a pumpkin has been a beloved fall tradition in America, celebrated with parties, festivals, and televised competitions. It was really great.There’s no more classic Halloween image than a glowing jack-o’-lantern perched in a window or on a porch, setting a merrily macabre mood. "They went from dinosaurs to bumblebees, to sunflowers.
"It's amazing what they can do with the pumpkins," said participant, Jim Giaccone.
In honor of the event taking place on Long Island, many of the pumpkin displays will pay homage to Long Island landmarks such as a life-size windmill and a replica of the Montauk lighthouse. "To see the look on people's faces when they see what we've done with jack o' lanterns, cause they really can't believe it and again pictures don't do it justice. "It really doesn't do it justice until you actually see it yourself," said Historic Hudson Valley Vice President of Commerce and Commission, Rob Schweitzer. Masks must be worn at all times and markings on the floor will help guide participants throughout the curvy path. Tickets are not available to purchase on site but will be sold only in advance, to meet state guidelines. The capacity will also be reduced by 67 percent and each admission is timed. The event takes place outdoors and is entirely a touch-free experience. "If you want a really good Halloween experience I highly recommend this." "It's the perfect place if you're getting cabin fever, to practice social distancing and see this amazing artwork," said Lauren Curran, Nassau County Executive. Related: CDC Halloween guidelines discourage trick-or-treating during COVID-19 pandemic The blaze will run for 23 nights, Friday through Sunday.Īs soon as you walk into the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, you can see pumpkin lanterns guiding you towards the entrance of the event with guards making sure visitors are socially distant from one another. Each display is different from the other ranging in various sizes and designs.
The blaze will feature two dozen hand-carved pumpkin attractions both from Long Island and Historic Hudson Valley artists. This year will mark the very first time the elaborate display will be available to see on Long Island. OLD BETHPAGE, New York - The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze has been an annual fall tradition in Sleepy Hollow for more than 15 years. Visitors can come and see the elaborate sculptures at a distance while enjoying the various pumpkin carvings to admire! The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, Sleepy Hollow's annual illuminated pumpkin display, has arrived on Long Island for the very first time.
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