 The humble autumn
gourd known as the pumpkin has become the most prevalent symbol of Samhain
for both pagans and non-pagans, mostly due to the practice of carving them
into jack-o'-lanterns. The jack-o'
lantern is at least two thousand years old. The first
were made in Ireland, and were simple faces carved in turnips which could
be easily carried if one needed to travel during the night. They
were designed to frighten away evil spirits who were following deceased
loved ones and blocking their way into the Land of the Dead, and also to
protect the living. Today, jack-o'-lanterns
are still usually carved with leering faces, and are seen as offering protection
through the dark October nights.
Faces rather
than other available and more abstract designs were not chosen at random
to be carved onto the jack-o'-lanterns.
The ancient Celts considered the head the most sacred part of the body,
and at one time, even held a cult-like veneration for it. In battle
the Celtic warriors would take the heads from their enemies and mount them
on top of poles to guard their villages and encampments. For them,
the head was not only seen as the center of learning, but also as the seat
of the immortal soul, and therefore a repository for all knowledge.
In death, as in life, it was believed that the attributes of a person of
strength and agility (such as a warrior) were able to be used as a continual
protective force.
The most famous head of
protection was that of the Celtic God, Bran the Blessed, whose noble noggin
was mounted high on the site where the infamous Tower of London now stands.
As insurance against future invasions, he was turned to face the English
Channel, from where the greatest threat to the islands always came.
But despite these ancient
beliefs, all jack-o'-lanterns do not
have to have faces with eyes, nose, and mouth. There are many creative
uses for the pumpkin, and a variety of unique ways to carve them.
Visit any craft store or seasonal display area of your supermarket in October
and you will find an array of intricate carving tools and patterns for
putting detailed pictures on your pumpkin. Many of these are very
pagan, with drawings of Death, flying witches, and smiling ghosts the most
popular patterns.
Even if you don't have
the time or interest to devote to these detailed carvings, you can still
make your jack-o'-lantern a little
different. Try carving stars, hearts, interlaced knots, or pentagrams
instead.
You can cut the top off
smaller pumpkins and gourds and use them as candleholders in your home,
circle, or for a party. Medium-sized pumpkins can be turned into
lovely luminaria to light party guests' or trick-or-treaters'
way to your door. Luminaria, a Latin word meaning "lights," are usually
seen at Christmas and are made by placing candles or other lights in paper
bags. Both of these luminaria have the same function to light the
way for night travelers and friendly spirits.
To make luminaria,
instead of opening your pumpkins from the top, open them from the side
by carving a wide circle in them. Scoop out the insides as you would
for a regular jack-o'-lantern.
Cut a few small holes in the top to let the heat escape and place a small
votive candle in the center. Set these outside with the open sides
shining over your walkways. (Be sure to blow them out before you
go to bed!) |
