Jack-o`-lantern or jack o`lantern is a carved pumpkin or turnip lantern, associated with the holiday of Halloween and named after the phenomenon of a strange light flickering over peat bogs, called will-o`-the-wisp or jack-o`-lantern. In a jack-o`-lantern, the top of the pumpkin or turnip is cut off to form a lid, the inside flesh is scooped out, and an image ââ¬â usually a monstrous or comical face ââ¬â is carved out of the rind to expose the hollow interior. To create the lantern effect, a light source is placed within before the lid is closed. The light source is traditionally a flame such as a candle or tea light, but artificial jack-`o-lanterns with electric lights are also marketed. It is common to see jack-o`-lanterns on doorsteps and otherwise used as decorations prior to and on Halloween.It is one of the symbols of Halloween.
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