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The Jack-O-Lantern: Then and Now!

Oct 24, 2016

Hi Friends!!  Before we start today I wanted to give you my warmest gratitude for all of your support.  Last week in London Amara Interior Blog Awards announced the winning blogs in different categories. The way it works is that first blogs were nominated, then all of you voted (THANK YOU!) for your favorites in each category to form the short list!  A panel of prestigious judges researched the chosen blogs and  picked their favorite! And the winner for the Best US Interior Blog is…………..

I honestly was shocked and was so sad I couldn’t go in person to be a part of the event and meet all the other amazing participants and bloggers!!  I definitely was there in spirit! To see the full Amara Awards Ceremony click here.  To see a list of the winners click here.  I have looked at  all of their blogs and have picked up some great new inspirational reads! Again, I am so blessed to have all of you!!

A Now For Halloween!

As far back as 1663, the term,”jack-o’-lantern”, meant a man with a lantern, or a night watchman. Just a decade or so later, it began to be used to refer to the mysterious lights sometimes seen at night over bogs, swamps, and marshes. These ghost lights—variously called jack-o’-lanterns, hinkypunks, hobby lanterns, corpse candles, fairy lights, will-o’-the-wisps, and fool’s fire—are created when gases from decomposing plant matter ignite as they come into contact with electricity or heat or as they oxidize. For centuries before this scientific explanation was known, people told stories to explain the mysterious lights. In Ireland, dating as far back as the 1500s, those stories often revolved around a guy named Jack. There are many stories about the legend of Stingy Jack. Here is one of the most popular!

This made me curious about the evolution of the jack-o’-lantern and I thought it would be fun to see the “then” and “now”!

Did you know that the first vegetables to be carved weren’t pumpkins?

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They were turnips, beets, potatoes, and gourds!! They were stuffed with coal, wood embers or candles as impromtu lanterns. As a prank, kids would carry these glowing vegetables to make their friends think they were Stingy Jack or another lost soul!

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People began placing their own versions of such lanterns in windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. It’s a good thing this creepy guy is in a museum in Ireland!

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Eventually, around the 1800s, immigrants brought the tradition to America where the native pumpkin was plentiful and much easier to carve than a turnip. This photo is circa 1884! The carvings were very basic and we started to see “less evil” takes on the jack-o-lantern.

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The early typical jack-o’-lanterns were simply carved with jagged teeth and triangular eyes.
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Boy, have we come a long way since then!! Look at this replica of Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. A quick search on Pinterest will produce hundreds of pumpkin carving ideas including carving tool sets (that come with a little saw!), pumpkin carving apps, party planning, and a scary amount of sophisticated patterns and designs!
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And you know I can’t resist showing you some clever ways to add some pumpkin creativity to your home. The weather in Houston in October is unpredictable, but a little pumpkin glow in the fireplace is always nice!
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These floral-inspired carved pumpkins would add beauty to any garden or tablescape!
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Or how about this cleverly-carved house on an entryway table? It says welcome to me!!
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Each year at the Keene Pumpkin Festival, residents from Keene, New Hampshire attempt to amass the largest number of lit jack-o’-lanterns in one place, trying to meet or beat the world record. (which they have held for many years) The festival is also referred to as “Let it Shine”! The pumpkin count is generally in the thousands and in 2013, they broke the world record with 30,581.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed looking at the evolution of the jack-o’-lantern and have a safe and fun holiday!!
 Last signing of October!! 
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Until next time, have a great week!
xo, Leslie
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Segreto Vignettes is a great holiday gift and going fast! Order your copy here!

If you are interested in hosting an event or carrying the book  please don’t hesitate to reach out! Email Karly@segretofinishes.com for all inquiries! We love to visit new cities!!!

36 Comments
  • joni Webb
    Posted at 06:58h, 24 October Reply

    ok some of those are downright scary looking – the old ones. yikes!! cute story.

    Congrats again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so happy for you!!! and proud!!!! what a feat and much deserved. amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:33h, 24 October Reply

      VERY SCARY! You sweet lady are my mentor!! You have paved the way for so many!!!! From the bottom of my heart! I am grateful! xo

  • Tongula
    Posted at 07:25h, 24 October Reply

    No doubt you have the best blog! Congratulations! I’m so proud of you all!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:32h, 24 October Reply

      You are always so cute!!! I so appreciate your support!! ALWAYS! xo

  • Corrine Grace
    Posted at 07:28h, 24 October Reply

    Thank you for the historical background of Jack o lanterns and Stingy Jack. Also I found the carvings unbelievable. HAPPY HALLOWEEN . Great Blog

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:31h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Connie!! Thanks for your sweet comment!!! Have a Happy Halloween!!! xo

  • Patricia Miller
    Posted at 07:39h, 24 October Reply

    Monday wake up with Segreto Secrets, well you’ve done again
    Leslie, the sincereist congratulations on your most deserved win at the Amara Awards
    Hope to catch up with Gina Ciancio when I am in Sydney
    Until next Monday, Patricia Miller

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:44h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Patricia!! Thank you so much for that! It has really been fun connecting with so many form all over!!! xo

  • Kathie Flournoy
    Posted at 08:22h, 24 October Reply

    Leslie – Congratulations on your award! So well deserved. I always like it when I vote for the winner! Not surprised that you didn’t mention this award when I saw you Saturday ! Guess I need to add humble to all your many talent descriptions. Loving your new book and was so thrilled to see my chairs in there! Thanks! Kathie

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 13:00h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Kathie! Of course they were in there–so super beautiful!! Have a great week and thank you sososo much for your well wishes and all the beautiful things you find for others!!!!!! xo

  • Amy Cunningham
    Posted at 08:58h, 24 October Reply

    Yea! I just knew you would win–congratulations Leslie!!! You deserve it!!!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:58h, 24 October Reply

      I love you miss Amy!! You have been such a great support to me and such a sweet friend! xo

  • Sarah West & Associates
    Posted at 08:59h, 24 October Reply

    Congratulations Leslie! This is a well-deserved honor! Your talents and beautiful finishes reach far and wide! Thank you for creating the perfect canvas with your plaster and finishes for my projects!
    Sarah West
    Sarah West & Associates, LLc

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:58h, 24 October Reply

      You are the sweetest!! With our all of your amazing projects to inspire me I wouldn’t be able to inspire others!! Thank you sweet friend!

  • Lynn Ellen
    Posted at 09:54h, 24 October Reply

    I so enjoy your blog-look forward to your email notification every Monday! You are blessed with an artistic talent and share your skills through your business, storefront, books, and blog. Congratulations-so happy for you. Isn’t it awesome when we are recognized for our craft and loving spirit. Thanks for always sharing!!! God’s blessings today and always!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:57h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Lynn Ellen!! I am so glad you enjoy it! I am blessed to have so many talented artisans with me and so super blessed to have such a warm and supportive group of friends that I feel like I have coffee with every Monday morning!!! xo

  • Daniza Suarez
    Posted at 10:13h, 24 October Reply

    Congratulations! I love your blog

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:54h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Daniza! Thanks you so much!! I so appreciate you reading along with me!!! xo

  • Elaine
    Posted at 11:17h, 24 October Reply

    Congratulations on your award!!! You and your blog are such an inspiration to me.

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:54h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Elaine!! Thank you so much!!! I am so glad that my sharing has inspired!! I also so appreciate your support! xo

  • Barbara
    Posted at 12:02h, 24 October Reply

    CONGRATULATIONS, Segreto!!! Proud of you in Houston and now everyone knows!
    Love your gorgeous work and terrific award-winning blogs!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 12:52h, 24 October Reply

      Hi Barbara!! Thank you so much!!! It was certainly a big surprise for me!! Thanks so much for being such a big support! xo

  • Creative Tonic
    Posted at 21:08h, 24 October Reply

    Congrats Leslie!!!! So exciting!
    xxooo
    Courtnay Elias

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:43h, 25 October Reply

      Thank you little Missy!!!xo

  • Carla Glaze
    Posted at 19:53h, 25 October Reply

    Leslie, so excited for you! Congratulations! You are very deserving of this honor! I voted! Always look forward to your posts. Can’t wait to get your new book.

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:23h, 31 October Reply

      Thank you so much!! Let me know what you think when you get it!!!

  • michele@hellolovely
    Posted at 21:56h, 26 October Reply

    congratulations, leslie! i voted for you! looked like such a fun night, and i don’t know anything about blog awards but am already thinking of campaigning next year just to have an excuse to go to that fabulous event! share the secrets to getting on that short list, segreto! hahahaha. xox

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:22h, 31 October Reply

      It looked like so much fun and so sad I couldn’t be there for the event!!! Your blog is so fab, you will make it for sure!!!

  • Design Chic
    Posted at 22:52h, 27 October Reply

    Beyond thrilled for you, my friend, and well deserved!! So many fabulous accomplishments and you know we are your books biggest fans!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:21h, 31 October Reply

      I am your biggest fan!!!Thank you so much for your constant support!!! xo

  • cindy hattersley
    Posted at 06:54h, 29 October Reply

    Congratulations Leslie! Another well deserved honor!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:20h, 31 October Reply

      Thank you so much Cindy!! I honestly was shocked!!! Happy Fall!!! xo

  • Amy Chalmers
    Posted at 08:20h, 30 October Reply

    HI Leslie! Congratulations!! You are such a talent, thanks for blogging and sharing your special gifts in both your books and your blog. xo

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:19h, 31 October Reply

      Thanks so much sweet friend!!! It is a fun ride for sure! xo

  • Leslie
    Posted at 22:00h, 01 November Reply

    Leslie, I am so excited for you. You are the hardest working person I know. The award is very well deserved. Congratulations!!

    • Leslie Sinclair
      Posted at 07:11h, 02 November Reply

      Hi Leslie! Thank you! I was super excited! xo

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