Jack-o'-lanterns are a tradition most closely associated with the holiday of Halloween. The practice of carving pumpkins on Halloween usually involves scooping out the pumpkin's innards, before cutting off the top to form a lid and carving a face or other design on the side. A light source such as a flame or electric candle is often placed inside in order to give it a glowing effect at night. The name 'Jack-o'-lantern' was originally after the strange lights that can appear over peat bogs, which are also often referred to as 'will-o'-the-wisps.' The actual act of carving vegetables into creative shapes and faces has existed for hundreds of centuries, with evidence that the Maori were carcing gourd lanterns over 700 years ago. Today, pumpkins are typically carved with a 'scary' face, and left outside the front of houses to great passing trick-or-treaters. For enthusiasts, a simple face is often not enough, which has led to some incredibly creative ideas and intricate engravings. This list takes a look at 21 amazing pumpkin carving ideas that, if you can pull them off, are sure to impress any ghosts or ghoulies that come visiting. From pop culture references to hugely original works of art, each of these jack-o'-lanterns are serious works of art.
