The Origins of the Jack-O-Lantern: Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co Mayo

by | May 27, 2012 | Ancient Places, Arts & Crafts, Hauntings & Mysteries, Kids, Legends & Folklore, Mayo, Museums

The tradition of carving pumpkins for Halloween started in Ireland… except they put their knives to turnips instead (in fact the Irish are credited with the origins of Halloween as well). An example of the carved root veggie is on display in the Museum of Country life along with first-rate exhibits covering many other aspects of Ireland’s rural traditions and history.

Written by Corey Taratuta

Corey Taratuta

Corey hosts the Irish Fireside podcast and blog which has been named Best Blog of the Diaspora by the Irish Web Awards. His work has appeared on Google Field Trip, www.Lonely Planet.com, National Public Radio, www.WanderingEducators.com, www.BritMums.com, www.DiscoveryWorld.org, and elsewhere. His web community has been named finalist for the People’s Choice Podcast Awards and Irish Blog Awards, and his Irish travel program has ranked in the iTunes Top 50 Travel Podcasts. Corey’s Tips | Website

CONTRIBUTED BY

Corey Taratuta

Corey hosts the Irish Fireside podcast and blog which has been named Best Blog of the Diaspora by the Irish Web Awards. His work has appeared on Google Field Trip, www.Lonely Planet.com, National Public Radio, www.WanderingEducators.com, www.BritMums.com, www.DiscoveryWorld.org, and elsewhere. His web community has been named finalist for the People's Choice Podcast Awards and Irish Blog Awards, and his Irish travel program has ranked in the iTunes Top 50 Travel Podcasts. Corey's Tips | Website