If you have ever wondered how to carve the perfect jack o’lantern, we have all of the instructions to show you how. An important symbol of Halloween, jack o’lanterns have ancient origins from when people in Ireland hollowed out root vegetables to ward off evil spirits during Samhain.
To make a jack o’lantern at home, you begin by sketching out where you would like to cut into your pumpkin, before cutting off the top and carving the face, and removing the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin. Then, once the pumpkin is carved, you can place a candle inside the pumpkin so it glows.
What is a Jack O’Lantern?
A jack o’lantern is a carved pumpkin that is typically lit up with a candle. The pumpkin is completely hollowed out and carved before being placed on a doorstep to be lit up for Halloween.
Jack o’lanterns have origins in Ireland when people would carve root vegetables and light them up to ward off evil spirits on the Celtic festival known as Samhain. Instead of pumpkins, the Irish carved root vegetables like turnips or beets.
Pro Tips
- Use a very sharp knife to carve the pumpkin.
- Choose a smooth-skinned pumpkin rather than a warty one for easier carving.
- When removing the innards of the pumpkin, a sharp-edge spoon will help you scrape the sides cleanly.
- When drawing the face on the pumpkin, use a marker that is easy to wipe off the pumpkin if any residue is left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does a Jack O’Lantern Typically Last?
Jack o’lanterns tend to have a short lifespan as they will likely deteriorate in a few days to a week once carved. However, if you want to carve your pumpkin early and it isn’t cold where you live, you could place it in the fridge to help extend its life.
Can I Carve Other Images on a Jack O’Lantern?
Absolutely! If you would prefer to not carve a face in your jack o’lantern, you could carve other spooky images instead such as a witch, spider, or haunted house.
What Type of Pumpkin Should be Used for Jack O’Lanterns?
While you could really use any type of pumpkin for jack o’lanterns, smooth orange pumpkins that have some size to them will work the best as they will be easier to carve.
How to Store a Jack O’Lantern
If you are carving your jack o’lantern only a day or two before Halloween, you can simply place it on your porch to sit until Halloween. Otherwise, if it is warm where you live, you will want to store the pumpkin in the fridge until you are ready to put it out for the Halloween festivities.
Ingredients
How to Make a Jack O’Lantern
Use a marker to draw where you would like to cut the top. Draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth on the front of the pumpkin as well.
Use a marker to draw where you would like to cut the top. Draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth on the front of the pumpkin as well.
Cut through where you have marked on the face.
Cut through where you have marked on the face.
Cut through where you have marked on the top, and remove the lid.
Cut through where you have marked on the top, and remove the lid.
Remove the innards.
Remove the innards.
Remove the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Remove the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Add a candle inside the pumpkin to light it, and place it on your doorstep.
Add a candle inside the pumpkin to light it, and place it on your doorstep.
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