PUMPKINS

Pumpkins are native to america.  Jack-o-lanterns were originally carved out of turnips for Halloween, but the pumpkin soon became more popular, because of its size, ease of carving, and availability.  Pumpkins are a gourd, even though the name translates to "large mellon".  Pumpkins can be cooked in a variety of ways, including being steamed, salted, sugared, or put in stews.

Pumpkins have been turned in to art for as long as the irish legend of "Stingy Jack" has been around.  The legend of Stingy Jack was the he went about tricking the devil, which angered him so much that the devil refused to take his soul when he died.  The legend says also that God, after seeing Jack trick the devil, decided that he did not want such an unsavory character in heaven either, which means that on hallows eve, the spirit of Stingy Jack wonders the world to cause havoc and play tricks, unless he is scared off by a face on a gourd or pumpkin or other vegetable with a face carved in it.