Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada  28 Oct 2024

As autumn covers the landscape with amber hues and the chill of Halloween approaches, the time-honoured tradition of carving jack-o"-lanterns comes to life. Originally from Ireland and Scotland, this craft was taken to America by immigrants who initially used turnips and potatoes to create lanterns, but later found pumpkins more plentiful and easier to carve. By hollowing out pumpkins and lighting them with candles, they transformed the gourds into flickering defences against evil spirits.

© Shaun Cunningham/Alamy Stock Photo

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