<P> Cornish folklorist Dr. Thomas Quiller Couch (d . 1884) recorded the use of the term in a rhyme used in Polperro, Cornwall, in conjunction with Joan the Wad, the Cornish version of Will - o' - the - wisp . The people of Polperro regarded them both as pixies . The rhyme goes: </P> <P> Jack o' the lantern! Joan the wad, Who tickled the maid and made her mad Light me home, the weather's bad . </P> <P> Jack - o - lanterns were also a way of protecting one's home against the undead . Superstitious people used them specifically to ward away vampires . They thought this because it was said that the jack - o - lantern's light was a way of identifying vampires who, once their identity was known, would give up their hunt for you . </P> <P> Sections of the pumpkin or turnip are cut out to make holes, often depicting a face, which may be either cheerful, scary, or comical . More complex carvings (or paintings on the gourds) are becoming more common such as: figures, logos, and symbols . A variety of tools can be used to carve and hollow out the gourd, ranging from simple knives and spoons to specialized instruments, typically sold in holiday sections of North American grocery stores . Printed stencils can be used as a guide for increasingly complex designs . After carving, a light source (such as a flame candle, electric candle, or tea light) is placed inside the gourd, and the top is put back into place . The light is normally inserted to illuminate the design from the inside and add an extra measure of spookiness . Sometimes a chimney is carved, too . It is possible to create surprisingly artistic designs, either simple or intricate in nature . </P>

What is the reason for pumpkins on halloween