Library Word of the Week - Halloween Edition

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I love dressing up and pretending to be something spooky.

Did you know there is a story behind our jack-o-lanterns? 

"Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world.Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns”—the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack—originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities." 
(from http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/jack-olantern-history) 

Read the legend here: Stingy Jack

And don't forget, that Halloween itself is also known as:

1. Samhain (pronounced /ˈsɑːwɪn/ SAH-win or /ˈsaʊ.ɪn/ SOW-in Irish pronunciation: [sˠaunʲ]) is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year.

Have a fantastic and safe Halloween everyone!