The concept encompasses the artistic and creative process of decorating pumpkins for the Halloween holiday. This activity traditionally involves carving faces or other designs into the surface of a pumpkin, transforming it into a festive and often spooky decoration. Examples range from simple, traditional jack-o’-lanterns with triangular eyes and a toothy grin to complex, meticulously crafted scenes and portraits.
This practice holds significant cultural value as a central element of Halloween celebrations worldwide. It fosters creativity and provides an opportunity for artistic expression across age groups. Historically, the tradition originated from Celtic customs involving turnips or other root vegetables, evolving over time to incorporate the readily available and iconic pumpkin in North America. The illuminated carvings are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.