James Callow Folklore Archive
Dr. James T. Callow publications
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The James T. Callow Folklore Archive
ORIGIN OF THE JACK O LANTERN
A BOY NAMED JACK WANTED TO GO TO HEAVEN, BUT HIS CONSCIENCE
WOULD NOT LET HIM. SO JACK WANTED TO GET INTO HELL, BUT SINCE
HE PLAYED TRICKS AND JOKES, THE DEVIL WOULD NOT LET HIM IN.
SO JACK HAD TO ROAM THE EARTH FOR ALL TIME, CARRYING
A LANTERN. THEREFORE PEOPLE HAVE CALLED HIM, JACK O LANTERN.
Data entry tech comment:
Updated by TRD
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; ALPENA
Keyword(s): ETYMOLOGY ; HALLOWEEN ; HELL ; Jack O lantern" Heaven ; Lantern ; Origin ; Pumpkin
| Subject headings: | BELIEF -- Explanation of a name |
Date learned: 10-04-1970