The jack-o'-lantern tradition began as a hollowed-out turnip carved with a scary face and lighted from inside with a candle, as part of the Celts attempt to dissuade roving spirits to possess them on October 31. Immigrants found few turnips in their new land but plenty of pumpkins.

Thanksgiving: Despite popular legend, there is no proof that turkey as we know it was actually served at the first Thanksgiving. In the language of 17th century Pilgrims, turkey simply meant any guinea fowl. It is certain however, that the meal included venison. And there was probably no pumpkin pie, since flour from the Mayflower had long since been used up, and years would pass before significant quantities of wheat were successfully harvested in New England. Without flour for pie crust, there could be no pie. But the Pilgrims did enjoy pumpkin at the meal - boiled.