How did pumpkins become associated with halloween?
When the Irish immigrants came to the United States during the Potato Famine, they brought the traditional use of Jack O Lanterns. Traditionally they were carved from a potato, beet, or turnip and lit with a lump of coal or candle to represent the souls of the departed and protect against evil spirits.
Eventually the tradition shifted to using pumpkins instead of beets or turnips or potatoes.
