Pumpkin Power - Postcard Friendship Friday #87

Traditionally glowing jack-o-lanterns, carved from turnips or gourds, are set on porches and in windows, to welcome Trick or Treaters as they canvas neighborhoods for goodies.

In ancient times, it was thought the lighted pumpkin faces acted as protection against evil spirits. Burning lumps of coal were used inside as a source of light, later to be replaced by candles.  

Pumpkins are only found in the western hemisphere so they were completely unknown in Europe before the time of Columbus!  Just think, no one had ever tasted Pumpkin Pie back then!  In 1584, the French explorer Jacques Cartier reported from the St. Lawrence region that he had found "gros melons", which was translated into English as "ponpions," or pumpkins.  In fact, pumpkins have been grown in America for over 5,000 years. Native Americans called pumpkins "isquotersquash."

Did you know pumpkins are not a vegetable - they are a fruit! Pumpkins, like gourds and other varieties of squash are all members of the Cucurbitacae family (just try to pronounce that), which also includes cucumbers, gherkins, and melons.

*  NOTE: You don't have to stick to the theme I choose each Friday. Just put up the postcards you love and tell us why you like them.

*  Don't forget to visit Gemma at Greyscale Territory for Weekend Mailbox.

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