Just for fun, we looked Jack O’Lantern up in the dictionary. It really is amazing how times change. Today, if you ask anyone about a Jack O’Lantern, they would instantly think of a hallowed out carved pumpkin with a candle inside. But, according to the a 1663 entry in the dictionary, it was a local name for Will-o-the-wisp. Will-o’-the-wisp is a bundle of sticks that is used as a torch. The extension to being a carved pumpkin didn’t come until 1837!!! And the first association with Halloween came in the Daily News from Kingston, Ontario dated November 1, 1866: “The old time custom of keeping up Hallowe’en was not forgotten last night by the youngsters of the city. They had their maskings and their merry makings, and perambulated the streets after dark in a way which was no doubt amusing to themselves. There was a great sacrifice of pumpkins from which to make transparent heads and face, lighted up by the unfailing two inches of tallow candle.”

So, Jack O’ Lantern meant something completely different 400 years ago! Go figure. It’s nice to revisit history from time to time. You never know what you’re going to learn!