It’s that spooky time of the year once more when the Jack-o-lanterns adorn our doors. But where did the Halloween pumpkin carving tradition come from?
It comes from the mid-18th century Irish myth of Stingy Jack, who tricked and trapped the devil. Jack bargained that he would release the devil in exchange for Satan never collecting his soul.
After living a sinful life, when Jack died, he could not go to Heaven, and Satan kept the promise of never harvesting Jack’s soul. Having nowhere to go, Jack endlessly roamed Earth for a resting place.
Halloween is based on the Celtic Samhain festival, where they believe the barrier between the world of the living and the world of the dead is blurred.
In the British Isles, the Celtic would carve grotesque faces onto turnips to ward off the undead (like Stingy Jack). When the Irish migrated to America, they used pumpkins instead, as these were native to the region.
With Halloween only days away, here are 11 Bristol-based independent businesses selling pumpkins for carving:
1. The Green Melon, 128 Ashley Rd, St Paul’s, Bristol BS6 5PAA
A selection of medium orange and ghost pumpkins can be found next to the window.
2. The Flower Shop, 145 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8BA
Don’t have a lot of space? The Flower Shop has got you covered with their mini orange pumpkins.
3. Radford Mill Farm Shop, 41 Picton St, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5PZ
Medium and large pumpkins can be found inside the shop.
4. Pawson’s, 186 Gloucester Rd, Bishopston, Bristol BS7 8NU
Located in the outside section of the store, Pawson’s has a varied and colourful selection of small, vibrant pumpkins.