My name is "Jack"

When you think of Halloween, you automatically visualize the Jack-O-Lantern or witches and ghosts. Now, you might have a few questions. For example, why does the term jack-o’-lantern have a man’s name -- “Jack?” 

At that time, people living in England reportedly called a man they did not know “Jack.” So, an unknown man carrying a lantern was sometimes called "Jack with the lantern" or "Jack of the lantern."

On all Hallow’s Eve, the Irish hollowed out Turnips, rutabagas, gourds, potatoes and beets. They placed a light in them to ward off evil spirits and keep Stingy Jack away. These were the original Jack O’Lanterns. In the 1800s waves of Irish immigrants came to America. The Irish immigrants quickly discovered that pumpkins were bigger and easier to carve out. So they used pumpkins for Jack O’Lanterns.

I love these old folklore stories and how those traditions have become an everyday thing here in the United States of America. There is no way you could think of Halloween without Jack-o-Lanterns.

As I am getting ready for the big "the pirates of Monte Likka" hunt, you will find many pumpkins here at the Retreat. Make sure you turn your windlight to night to get the full effect and listen to all the eerie sounds.

Upon one wild and windy night
Woo-oo, woo-oo, Woo-oo, woo-oo-
We, Jacks, our lanterns all did light-
The Wind it surely knew FOR


Whistle and whistle and whist! Now, list!
Woo-oo, woo-oo, Woo-oo, woo-oo-
Whirling and twirling, with turn and twist,
The wind it softly blew.