Written by emg210 | October 16, 2020 | SHARE
Pumpkins = Halloween, right? Well, it wasn’t always that way.
The popular U.S. custom of carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns comes from the Celtic tradition of carving lanterns out of turnips and other root vegetables to ward off evil spirits. New immigrants to the U.S. found pumpkins more common than turnips – and easier to carve. So now every October, we cut up orange squash!
Pumpkin, turnip, pepper or pineapple,
Whether you’re in Bethlehem or learning remotely,
We want to see your best produce-carving skills.
Can’t find a pumpkin or other vegetable? This is your chance to get creative. Draw, paint, weld or otherwise create something pumpkin-themed. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Need a pumpkin? Students on campus can visit go.lehigh.edu/pumpkinpickup to get a pumpkin.
Send your creation to pumpkin@lehigh.edu by midnight October 28 for the chance to win Lehigh gear. You can enter in one of four categories:
- Best Lehigh theme
- Best international theme
- Best non-pumpkin carving
- Best 2020 theme
- Fan favorite
- Lehigh faculty/staff entry
We will vote on the best entries through the @LehighAfterDark Instagram and announce the winners on October 30.
This contest is open to all members of the Lehigh community around the world. Prizes will be mailed to recipients.