It’s National Pumpkin Day on Saturday, and what better time to celebrate the squash that’s synonymous with Halloween?


This is a festive celebration of one of autumn’s most cherished symbols. As soon as October rolls in, pumpkins start to take centre stage, appearing everywhere – from comforting foods and spiced drinks to seasonal decorations.

Lucy Graham, aged six from Morton, with her pumpkin pileLucy Graham, aged six from Morton, with her pumpkin pile (Image: Newsquest)
Pumpkin patches become a popular destination, where families and friends search for the perfect pumpkin to carve for Halloween.

Abigail Smith, eight, from Cotehill, pumpkin carving at Tullie HouseAbigail Smith, eight, from Cotehill, pumpkin carving at Tullie House (Image: Newsquest)
Pumpkins embody the warmth, cosiness, and nostalgia of the season, making National Pumpkin Day a perfect time to embrace all things autumn and celebrate the simple joys that pumpkins bring to our lives.

Elliot Smith, five, deep in concentration at Tullie HouseElliot Smith, five, deep in concentration at Tullie House (Image: Newsquest)
While the origins of National Pumpkin Day are unknown, it is no wonder that there would be a day to celebrate this North American squash.

Sebastian Prince dressed as a pumpkin for Halloween non uniform day at Irthington SchoolSebastian Prince dressed as a pumpkin for Halloween non uniform day at Irthington School (Image: Newsquest)
Pumpkins have existed in American territory for longer than America has existed as a country.
Scientists have found evidence of pumpkin seeds in the American continent dating back to between 7,000 and 5,500 BC.

Liz Forsyth, Jill Graham, Kirsty Ash and Jen Forster completed the Helvellyn 10k trail run and finished with the six-mile Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Pumpkin Race Liz Forsyth, Jill Graham, Kirsty Ash and Jen Forster completed the Helvellyn 10k trail run and finished with the six-mile Muckle Toon Adventure Festival Pumpkin Race (Image: Newsquest)
The name for pumpkin originates from the Greek Pepon, which means ‘large melon’.
In the 1500s, French explorer Jacques Cartier found these fruits while on a journey to what would become North America, and gave them the name ‘pompions’, which eventually became the English word we know now – pumpkin.

Making pumpkin pie at Peter Sidwell's Good Cookery School 'Kids' Kitchen'Making pumpkin pie at Peter Sidwell's Good Cookery School 'Kids' Kitchen' (Image: Newsquest)

In America, pumpkins were first grown by native Americans next to the river banks. Pumpkins were very important in the Native American's diet, as they provided enough nutrients to help them survive long winters. When pilgrims arrived in America, Native Americans introduced them to pumpkins, and historians believe that they were served on Thanksgiving in 1623.

Livvy Corbishley, eight, from Eden Hall and Anna Holliday, eight, from Great Salkeld at the Kids' KitchenLivvy Corbishley, eight, from Eden Hall and Anna Holliday, eight, from Great Salkeld at the Kids' Kitchen (Image: Newsquest)
Nowadays, they are associated with Halloween. The tradition of carving pumpkins came to the United States via Scottish and Irish immigrants in the 1800s. Now, it is a popular and beloved family activity.

Children at ABC Nursery in Egremont got spooky by creating Halloween pumpkin lanternsChildren at ABC Nursery in Egremont got spooky by creating Halloween pumpkin lanterns (Image: Newsquest)
While pumpkins are now grown on most continents, the United States still produces over 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins every year.