Welcome to BrainStuff, a production of I Heart Radio.

Hey Brain Stuff, I'm Lauren Vogelbaum, and today's episode is another classic from our archives.

In this one, we explore a Halloween tradition that's charming, but pretty dang odd when you think

about it.

The carving and lighting of pumpkins into jackalanderns Hey brain stuff, Lauren Vogelbaum here.

Traditions have always played a big part in what defines any holiday,

but Halloween's traditions are some of my favorites.

The costumes, the trick-or-treaters, the horror

flicks and the macabre decor, including jackalanterns grinning and glowing next to front doors

all across America. Like most folklore, the history of the jackalanturn varies a bit depending on who's telling

the story, but all stories involve a clever drunkard who pulls one over on the devil.

Legend has it in 17th or 18th century Ireland a foul-mouthed and disreputable

miser named Stingy Jack asked the devil to go have a drink with him. Jack was the generic

name for the common man at the time, hence Jack of all trades, every man Jack, Jack the Ripper, etc.

But back to Stingy Jack and his request for a drink.

The devil obliged and when the bill came there was that awkward moment that were also familiar with.

Jack expected the devil to take care of things and the devil thought Jack should pony up.

Seeing as how Jack had no money anyway, he convinced the devil to turn himself into a six-pence coin to pay the bill.

The devil fell for it and Jack skipped on the bill but slipped the coin into his pocket where he had a secret weapon,

a silver cross.

The devil was stuck in Jack's pocket, trapped by the cross,

but Jack struck a deal.

...