

For example, sometimes they were used by Halloween participants to frighten people, and sometimes they were set on windowsills to keep harmful spirits out of one's home. īy those who made them, the lanterns were said to represent either spirits or supernatural beings, or were used to ward off evil spirits. Jack-o'-lanterns were also made at Halloween time in Somerset, England (see Punkie Night) during the 19th century. In these Gaelic-speaking regions, Halloween was also the festival of Samhain and was seen as a time when supernatural beings (the Aos Sí), and the souls of the dead, walked the earth. In the 19th century, " turnips or mangel wurzels, hollowed out to act as lanterns and often carved with grotesque faces," were used on Halloween in parts of Ireland and the Scottish Highlands. It is believed that the custom of making jack-o'-lanterns at Halloween time began in the British Isles. The carving of vegetables has been a common practice in many parts of the world. Modern carving of a Cornish Jack-o'-Lantern made from a turnip. Artificial jack-o'-lanterns with electric lights are also marketed. A light source, traditionally a flames from a candle or tealight, is placed within before the lid is closed. To make a jack-o'-lantern, the top of a pumpkin or turnip is cut off to form a lid, the inside flesh is scooped out, and an image-usually a "scary" or "funny" face-is carved out of the rind to expose the hollow interior. It is common to see jack-o'-lanterns used as external and internal decorations prior to and on Halloween. Jack-o'-lanterns carved from pumpkins are a yearly Halloween tradition that developed in the United States when Celtic Americans brought their root vegetable carving tradition with them. The name is also tied to the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a drunkard who bargains with Satan and is doomed to roam the Earth with only a hollowed turnip to light his way. Its name comes from the reported phenomenon of strange lights flickering over peat bogs, called will-o'-the-wisps or jack-o'-lanterns. Jack-o'-lanterns are associated with the Halloween holiday. For a flame-free take, use a small battery-powered light instead.A jack-o'-lantern in the shape of the Wikipedia logo.Ī jack-o'-lantern (or jack o'lantern) is a carved lantern, most commonly made from a pumpkin or a root vegetable such as a rutabaga or turnip. Light it up! Set a candle inside of your pumpkin and use a barbecue lighter to bring it sparkling to life.

For shapes where you want the light to partially filter through, carve the surface of the pumpkin so that the hard outer layer is removed and the softer, lighter layer underneath is exposed. Cut out any shapes where you want the light to shine through completely, such as those marked in black in the pumpkin pattern. Use your carving tools to follow the outlines you made. When you’re done poking the outline, remove your pattern from the pumpkin. Tape your pattern to the pumpkin and use a poking tool or sewing pin to poke through the outlines of the pattern. If you’re using a pumpkin stencil, print your jack-o-lantern pattern to the appropriate size to fit your pumpkin.

Use a scooper to hollow out the insider, removing all the seeds and strings. Cut off the top portion in a circle around the stem. A candle or battery-powered light to illuminate your creation.Tape, if you’re using a pumpkin stencil.Carving tools like a scooper, a poker, and a serrated carving knife.A bowl large enough to hold scooped-out pumpkin seeds and strings.Newspaper, to protect your work surface and make clean-up a breeze.Whether this is your first-ever jack-o-lantern or you’d just like a little refresh, these tips can help you get started. Robot Pumpkin Stencilĭownload me! 🤖 Rubber chicken Pumpkin Stencilĭownload me! 🐔 Shooting Star Pumpkin Stencilĭownload me! 🌟 Paper Plane Pumpkin Stencilĭownload me! ✈️ Dracula-Bot Pumpkin Stencil
#FUNNY JACK O LANTERN DESIGNS FREE#
Free Jack-o-Lantern Patternsįrom rubber chickens to shooting stars to Robot Dracula, these designs are sure to capture your imagination. If you’re seeking inspiration, check out these free pumpkin stencils and pumpkin carving tips to create your very own gorgeous gourds. One thing’s for sure: so long as you’re having fun, there’s no wrong way to carve a pumpkin. Or maybe you like to take a more measured approach with the aid of some pumpkin carving templates. Maybe you’re more of a go-with-the-flow carver and plan to ideate on the fly. Maybe you’ve had your jack-o-lantern design in mind for days. All that’s left now is some good old-fashioned pumpkin carving. You have a trick-or-treating plan of attack. Spooky season is here, and Halloween is just around the corner.
