Pumpkin - Why?

Pumpkin.

The moment September rolls around, we are hit with Pumpkin.

Everywhere.

We know that pumpkin pies are a stable part of Thanksgiving (more to come later on that), pumpkin lattes are keeping people going during the day, and pumpkin spice is being added to almost anything you eat.

But have you ever wondered where pumpkins came from?

Which country first had them?

Who thought it would be a good idea to mash them up, put 'em in a pie and back them?

Pumpkins are native to North America, Mexico, Greece, and France.

The word originated from the Greek form for, "Large melon" - "Pepon";
The French changed it into "pompon", while the English changed it to "Pumpion", and being American and revolutionary, we changed it to "Pumpkin". And there you go.

World-wide pumpkin harvesting!

Which leads me to - why carve out pumpkins?

While doing some research for this blog I found a wonderful legend of the history of the infamous "Jack-o-Lantern". To sum it up, a man nicknamed "Stingy Jack" tricks the devil two years running. The first time he makes a deal to be safe for a year. The following he makes a deal for 10 years. However, he dies soon after and God won't take him - because of the deals he made. The devil (who's still miffed he was outsmarted twice) refuses him entry based on spite alone. So "Jack" gets a burning coal and spends eternity walking around with a the light. He became known as "Jack of the Lantern", which simplified to "Jack O'Lantern". These "Jack O'Lantern"'s are set out to repel the spirits that wonder as well.

Which is your favorite Pumpkin tradition? Leave a comment below.