Communications
Washington state comes alive with the spirit of Halloween during the fall season. As autumn settles in, the farmlands transform into a sea of orange as pumpkin patches open their gates to eager visitors. From the coastal regions to the eastern plains, visitors can explore the fields to find the perfect pumpkin, enjoy hayrides, and even get lost in the challenging corn mazes. In this short blog, we'll explore the enchanting world of Halloween pumpkins in Washington State.
Growing pumpkins in Washington state
In Washington, you want to plant your pumpkin seeds in late May to early July. The ideal temperature range for pumpkins is 55-60 degrees. Vines can reach up to 30 feet so allow for ample space. Most pumpkins need 90-120 days to mature.
A member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the pumpkin’s relatives are the cucumber, watermelon, and even the loofa! Pumpkins are native to the Americas and archaeological digs in the southwest and Mexico have unearthed evidence of growing pumpkins dating back to 5,000 B.C. They eventually made their way into European cuisines.
For making pies and other delectables, you want to look for smaller, rounder varieties that have a sweeter taste and tend to have a thicker flesh.
The best kind of pumpkins for carving are the large field pumpkins. They tend to be stringy, but the seeds can be roasted with a bit of salt for a delicious treat.
Origin of the Jack-o-lantern
The origin of jack-o'-lanterns is a fascinating journey rooted in ancient Celtic and Irish traditions. The practice can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated around 2,000 years ago. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, and the Celts believed it was a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, with malevolent spirits roaming the earth. To ward off these spirits, the Celts carved frightening faces into turnips and other root vegetables, placing candles or other light sources inside them. These carved vegetables were believed to both protect homes and light the way for the souls of the deceased. The term "jack-o'-lantern" itself originated from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack who was said to have tricked the devil. As the tradition spread, it eventually evolved to the use of pumpkins, which were more readily available in the United States, giving rise to the iconic Halloween decoration we know today.
Pumpkin contest
If you haven’t noticed by now, we love Halloween at WSDA. This year, WSDA held a pumpkin carving contest in partnership with Washington Grown. Carvers entered their pumpkins by posting their photos to social media using the hashtag #WAPumpkinContest, tagged WSDA and WAGrown, then submitted their photos on the WSDA contest website for a chance to win a $250 grocery gift card! This year's winner was Ethan Estalilla for his cool leaf pumpkin (far right photo). Congratulations Ethan!
Halloween season is a time when communities come together to celebrate the beauty and bounty of the fall harvest. From family trips to the pumpkin patch to enjoying pumpkin-spiced treats and participating in traditional carving contests, pumpkins are woven into the very fabric of the autumn tapestry. So, whether you're an enthusiast for all things pumpkin or simply seeking to embrace the charm of fall, pumpkin culture has something for everyone.