Students in Ms. Garthus' Myths and Legends Class carved turnips today after learning the legend of Jack of the Lantern.
Pumpkins were not indigenous to Ireland, so they used turnips until pumpkins were introduced from the Americas. They were used to ward off the wandering spirit of Stingy Jack, who was cursed to roam the earth for eternity.
Whether we carve pumpkins or turnips or beets or onions or apples, the tradition of carving is widely associated with Halloween.
