The spooky origins and botanical secrets of the Halloween jack-o’-lantern
Explore the history behind the grinning legend of the jack-o’-lantern. This episode follows Kew Gardens Supervisor Joe Richomme as he traces the tradition's roots and reveals how modern pumpkins are cultivated.
The video investigates the transition from ancient traditions to the modern Halloween staple. Gardens Supervisor Joe Richomme explores the spooky origins of the jack-o’-lantern tradition and identifies the botanical lineage of the modern pumpkin.
Beyond the folklore, the episode provides a technical look at horticulture, sharing specific secrets regarding how squashes are grown within the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Source: Pumpkins: Why do we carve them at Halloween? | Dig Deeper Episode 6 | Kew Gardens
