In the nineteenth-century, the traditional celebrations revolving around October 31 were brought to the US by Irish immigrants. Jack O-lanterns became an integral part of Halloween festivities. It was traditional to put lanterns made from various vegetables in windows to welcome spirits of those passed on and wandering souls. But where did this tradition come from. Certainly there has to be a story associated with such a unique tradition. Well, like many traditions there are varying versions but there’s a general consensus, with each family or village filling in holes with their own details.

Jack was a penurious man hated by all. When encountered by the devil, he dodgingly convinced the devil to turn himself into a coin. Before the devil could change back he snapped the coin into his pocket and made the devil promise not to come back for him for an entire year.

One year later the devil returning and was wittily tricked into climbing an apple tree by Mr. Jack himself. While the devil was at the top of the tree Jack carved the sign of the cross into the tree’s trunk prohibiting the devil to come down from the tree. Jack forced the devil to not come down and take him for ten years.

Jack died before the ten years passed. He was turned away from heaven and so tried to enter hell where the devil would not permit it as he had promised Jack he would not take him until ten years. He was given a hot coal from hell which he carried around in a carved turnip as he wandered the earth. From this came Jack of the Lantern, or with the Irish twist, Jack O’Lantern.

Happy Halloween to everyone!

Be safe and have fun. We’ll be having happy hour prices all night long, and all weekend with Xavier Tabera tearing it up with his Cuban and Caribbean rhythms Saturday night, no admission charge!