Pumpkin Carving Art II

A carved pumpkin is also known as a jack-o'-lantern which name was derived from the phenomenon of strange lights flickering over lakes and ponds.

Carving gourds into decorated lanterns was already practised thousands of years ago in Africa, but the tradition of carving a lantern on All Hallows' Eve began in the UK around 1837.

In the beginning however, it was carved from a swede or a turnip. When it became a tradition in the USA the pumpkin was used, because it was available in abundance and easier to carve.

At first, the carved pumpkin was associated with the harvest season, instead of Halloween. The latter occurred around 1866.

By the end of the 20th century, pumpkin carving took an artistic flight as, the patterns and designs became more intricate and complicated. Artists used their creativity to carve works like portraits of political candidates, celebrities, and cartoon characters.

I guess the expression; 'the weirder, the better' is applied literally. That sure is in accordance with the spirit of Halloween!