In Context: 5 Web Perspectives On A Story In The News

The Bigger World of Pumpkins

(Connecticut Post) Not every campus has its own pumpkin carving expert. Dan Drew of Sacred Heart University is known for his talent at carving the faces of celebrities into Halloween pumpkins. Each year he displays his craft at a campus exhibition. This year Big Red, the university mascot was the subject for his piece. You can see his masterpieces for yourself on his web page.

1.

The history of spooky glowing faces

History Channel
This website details the history of Stingy Jack, a man protected from hell but too conniving for heaven. According to the story, Jack had a drink with the devil and then convinced the devil to transform himself into a coin to pay for their tab. He then kept the coin in his pocket near a crucifix which prevented the devil from working his magic and turning himself back. In a series of tricks the devil eventually freed himself but was made to promise that he would never take Stingy Jack's soul. When Jack died the devil could not take his soul and he had been too evil to ever enter heaven and so his unsettled soul was sent into the darkness with a single glowing coal, hence Jack O' Lantern and the spooky glowing faces of Halloween. The website also provides a link to a video clip of Steve Carver, the world's fastest pumpkin carver. While doing what he does best, he tells the history of carving pumpkins and other Halloween traditions.

2.

It's the great pumpkin Charlie Brown

You Tube
This is a ten minute clip of the season classic, "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!". The episode is about the characters of Charlie Brown discussing the holiday of Halloween and the role of the Great Pumpkin as a fictitious character comparable to Santa Claus. Although only a cartoon many key elements of halloween and its traditions are discussed in the episode.

3.

Scott Cummins and his amazing pumpkins

Gallery
Scott Cummins makes headlines each year around Halloween as one of the world's best pumpkin carvers. Each year he is invited on to multiple talk shows to show his craft guaranteed to leave the audience with dropped jaws in awe of the sheer detail of each piece.

4.

It doesn't stop at carving

Homepage
Carving faces isn't the only thing you can do with your pumpkins. Windsor is renowned for their annual Pumpkin Regatta where the competition is about having the biggest and most durable pumpkin as each year over 50 competitors paddle their hollowed out pumpkins across a lake in Windsor, Nova Scotia.

5.

Maritime Pumpkin Stencils

Nova Scotia.com
Nova Scotia.com has come up with some Maritime themed stencils. If reading about the history of pumpkin carving has got you craving seeds and pulp between your fingers then here are some great stencils to create some creative Halloween decorations.