History of Jack O’ Laterns

By Coggin Heeringa, Crossroads at Big Creek

Pumpkins—lots of pumpkins—are piling up at Crossroads in preparation for two of our most popular family events. On Friday, October 10, at 4:00 PM, families will gather to carve pumpkins. The glowing Jack-o’-Lanterns they create will later illuminate the trails during our “Trail & Treats” event on Friday, October 17.

But why do we carve Jack-o’-Lanterns in the first place?

The tradition traces back to the Celtic regions of Europe. Ancient Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits, goblins, and other mischief-makers to roam the land. With the arrival of All Saints’ Day on November 1, order was restored.

One legend tells of Stingy Jack, a trickster who cheated everyone—including the Devil. Barred from both Heaven and Hell, Jack was doomed to wander the earth. According to the tale, the Devil gave him a single burning coal to light his way, which Jack placed inside a hollowed turnip. People began carving turnips with frightening faces—“Jack-o’-Lanterns”—to ward off Jack and other  wandering spirits.

When Irish and Scottish immigrants came to America, they brought this tradition with them. Here they discovered a native plant—the pumpkin, a type of winter squash—was larger, softer, and far easier to carve than turnips.

Archaeologists have found evidence that pumpkin-like squash were cultivated in Mexico more than 10,000 years ago. Over time, Indigenous peoples carried these useful plants north. The squash not only provided food but were also used as containers, utensils, medicine, and even musical instruments.

Beyond their many uses, squash became central to one of the most important agricultural systems in North America. Around 5,000 years ago, Indigenous farmers developed the “Three Sisters” planting system, growing corn, beans, and squash together. The broad squash leaves shaded the soil, helping it retain moisture, while the prickly vines discouraged pests and weeds. This sustainable method spread throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond.

Today’s pumpkins—ancestors of the native squash– have been selectively bred to be larger, rounder, and brighter orange—perfect for carving.

This tradition continues today. At Crossroads, we’ll supply both the pumpkins and the tools, making it easy and fun for families to participate. The Jack-o’-Lanterns may not ward off  evil spirits anymore, but they will create a magical glow along the route during our Trails & Treats event on October 17. Families are welcome to take their creations home afterward. Reservations are requested for the carving program.

Join us to celebrate traditions and the joy of autumn—by hiking our trails and enjoying other seasonal activities. All programs are free and open to the public, thanks to the generosity of our donors.

Friday, October 10
4:00–5:30 PM — Pumpkin Carving Night
Make reservations at www.crossroadsatbigcreek.org for your family and friends to participate in our annual pumpkin carving night. Tools and pumpkins provided free of charge. Special thanks to our generous supporters, Wisconsin Public Service Fund, Peninsular Agricultural Research Station for helping grow our pumpkins, Big Brothers Big Sisters for planting seeds with care, and The Farm and Schartner’s Farm Market for donating additional pumpkins. Meet in the Lower Level of the Collins Learning Center, Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay.

Saturday, October 11
2:00 PM — Science Saturday: Autumn Leaves
Indoor and outdoor activities will introduce families (and lifelong learners) to the science behind autumn leaves. Free and open to all ages. Meet at the Collins Learning Center,. Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

Monday, October 13
1:30 PM — Door County Master Gardeners: Growing Together Series
The public is invited to join Master Gardeners in viewing a pre-recorded webinar about fall gardening tips. Free and open to the public. Collins Learning Center. Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

Tuesday, October 14
3:30 PM — Environmental Exploration: Migration
This after-school program will discuss fall migration—of birds and other creatures. Outdoors if weather permits. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

Wednesday, October 15
10:00 AM — Junior Nature Club
For children ages 3–5 with their adult companions. This week’s topic: “Evergreen Cones.” Dress for outdoor activities. Meet at the Collins Learning Center. Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay

1:30 PM — Wandering Wednesday
Join the naturalist on a guided hike through the autumnal beauty of the Big Creek Preserve. Easy walking, about an hour. Free and open to the public. Meet at the Collins Learning Center Crossroads 2041 Michigan, Sturgeon Bay