Where did jack-o'-lanterns originate and what where they first made of?

A Celtic tradition. Not just the Irish.

Actually it was Scottish and Irish immigrants - and the word Halloween comes from the Scots for All Hallows Eve. It cracks me up the way its assumed that 'Celtic' = 'Irish'. Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Cornwall - all celts.

Say what you will I'm with Linus.

One Samhain tradition is the Dumb Supper. An extra setting at the dinner table in honor of the beloved dead. No words are spoken during the meal out of respect for the dead. The plate of food is taken outside at midnight and left for the spirits. Even though those come as Critters. My family keeps this tradition every year. The list of those who left us since the previous Samhain is placed under the plate. This year is a very sad list. RIP Neil Peart. 😭

I remember the good old days of Halloween, Apple dookin', treacle scone eating, and of course guising  - Guising   Scottish children traditionally donned costumes and pretended to be malicious spirits as they went ‘guising’ around the local streets. It was believed that, by disguising themselves, they would blend in with any wandering spirits and remain safe from harm. After performing tricks or songs, guisers were given gifts to help ward off evil – a far cry from some of today’s trick-or-treaters, who get ‘treats’ for simply showing up in costume.

No pumpkins there, so they made use of their popular root veggies!

Player #8258475, All Hallows Eve is a Christian term, Celtic/Irish celebrated Samhain and this festival and other were appropriated by the Catholic Church.

RushMama2112, sounds a little like the hebrew tradition of setting out a plate for elijah

Maestro13, growing up in England we used turnips as jack o lanterns

Player #8258475, Calm down, we'll pretend your Irish if you want.