Why pumpkin is the official symbol of the Catholic holiday of Halloween ?

Probably each of you on Halloween was noticed that the main symbol of the holiday – pumpkin head with glowing eyes. And the whole mystery of this tradition is rooted in the legends of the ancient Celts, as well as the holiday itself.

So, it was rumored that he was on the earth a drunkard and jester, and his name was Jolly Jack. He was a good fellow, although he sinned. And so he was afraid for his soul, that once caught the devil by luring him into a trap, and covered with a cross. To the devil to get out, there was nothing for it but to agree not to pick up dirty Jack's very soul to hell. Although there's Jack lost in Paradise after his death to take no one could – too much he sinned. Because he was destined to wander the planet until the day of judgment. And that way it wasn't so dark, he made himself a torch out of an empty turnip and coal.

The ancient Celts, as you probably know, afraid of evil spirits, which on All Saints ' Day came to their house and demanded food. Therefore, knowing that the devil himself is wary of jovial Jack decided that his torch will scare away the evil spirits. And now, on the eve of Halloween in every house on the windowsill, lit a lantern from a turnip.

Later, when the holiday was brought to America, this custom has evolved, like everything else. Instead of flashlight, people started to make real head Jack but choosing this is not turnips, and pumpkins, apparently because this vegetable is grown in abundance and it was easier to make empty. So now the pumpkin head is also called "rattle Jack" or "Jolly Jack" and burning in every home, where people celebrate Halloween.