Over the years, certain holidays acquire different symbols: otherwise unimportant objects take on greater meaning during the holidays. For Christmas, it’s stockings. For Easter, it’s eggs. And for Halloween (and Thanksgiving), it’s pumpkins. But why? Where do these seemingly-odd traditions come from?
The History of Pumpkins on Halloween
Halloween and pumpkins go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly, or Starsky and Hutch. But the question is why? How did a large orange fruit become the symbol for one of the spookiest holidays of the year? Timing!
As we mentioned in a previous blog, the history of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a celebration of the end of the harvest season. And guess what large orange fruit is harvested in October? You guessed it: pumpkins.
When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they brought another fun Halloween tradition with them: the carving of Jack-o-lanterns. This tradition originated hundreds of years ago in Ireland, where the native people would carve turnips and potatoes. It wasn’t until Irish immigrants arrived in America and found an overabundance of pumpkins that Jack-o-lanterns as we now know them were born.
Check back next week as we explore the haunting history of Jack-o-lanterns even further!
Pumpkin Inspired Candy from Wockenfuss
Wockenfuss is a family owned business, now in its fifth generation of candy-making. As one of the oldest candy makers in Maryland, we know a thing or two about what it takes to make great candy. And we are excited to offer a wide range of Halloween candy, including a few pumpkin inspired treats: Harvest Mix, Gummi Pumpkins, Jelly Pumpkins, Milk Chocolate Pumpkin Pop, and Peanut Butter Filled Pumpkins.
Just like all of our other delicious candies, you can buy all of our Halloween candy in one of our 8 convenient locations or you can place your order online. Just allow 3-6 business days for shipping.
If you have any questions about ordering Halloween Candy online, please contact Wockenfuss Candies, by calling 1-800-296-4414 or email info@Wockenfusscandies.com. When you’re not savoring our sweets, stay satisfied by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest!