How to Carve a Sikhi Style Jack-O-Lantern
Jack-O-Lanterns date back centuries to the time of Celtic Druids, when they were used for harvest festivals, and pagan rites. During the rise of Christianity, and the Roman Catholic Church, Jack-O-Lanterns became associated with All Hallows Eve, now called Halloween. The holiday has evolved commercially into an occasion in which people dress in costumes and children "Trick or Treat," going door to door collecting candy after dark. Jack-O-lanterns made from pumpkins, and even plastic, are popular props.
In the fall, mature vegetables such as turnips, gourds, and squash may be used to make lanterns. The traditional Jack-O-Lantern is a pumpkin which has been cut open, hollowed out and carved into a lantern. A design is carved into the pumpkin shell. A candle is placed inside the carved pumpkin. The candlelight illuminates the Jack-O-Lantern. During autumn when pumpkins are in season, a Sikhi style Jack-O-Lantern can be used as subtle lighting for any Sikhism event such as celebrating Bandi Chhor during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lamps.
