Halloween History: How Pumpkins Became Jack-O’-Lanterns | The Curiosity Desk

How did the venerable pumpkin become an icon of the American autumn and the go-to vessel for jack-o’-lanterns? All it took was – among other things – thousands of years of innovation by Indigenous Americans, a little 19th century nostalgia for “the old days,” a dash of Celtic mythology and tradition, some mischievous kids, and – of course – the media. We speak with chef Sean Sherman of the NATIFS Indigenous Food Lab, University of Delaware history professor Cindy Ott, and author Lesley Bannatyne. Got a question, spooky or otherwise? Leave a comment below for Curiosity Desk reporter Edgar B. Herwick III — he might just look into it for you. More Curiosity Desk: Follow Edgar on Twitter: Follow Edgar on Instagram: Learn more about Sean Sherman, Sioux Chef and the NATIFS Indigenous Food Lab: Learn more about Cindy Ott’s Pumpkin: The Curious History of An American Icon: Learn more about Lesley Bannatyne’s work: