How did the pumpkin carving tradition start?

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Some pumpkin carvings are spooky, some are funny, some are very creative, others more simple. The bottom line is that they are all carved pumpkins, but just how did this tradition start?

"It goes back to the Celtic times, when Somhain, November 1st, was the start of the New Year,” said Nan McEntire, Director of Folklore Archives. “All the souls that had died during the year were wandering around. So, they made lanterns out of symbols of the harvest. They would carve out turnips. Try carving out a turnip, it's not very easy. Fortunately, we have pumpkins."

Following tradition, McEntire and her folklore archives worker, Kaylin Cruse, started carving their own pumpkin.

"And what do people do now? They dress up like the dead and we make lanterns to guide their way," said McEntire.

So, when you carve a pumpkin, you're doing more than a fun Halloween project, you're keeping an ancient Celtic tradition alive.