"Jack o lanterns" is a term commonly associated with Halloween, but it's not the only term to describe these festive decorations. Other synonyms include pumpkin lanterns, carved pumpkins, Halloween pumpkins, and spooky lanterns. Some people also call them ghostly gourds or frightening faces. Regardless of the name, these decorative items have been a Halloween staple for centuries. Traditionally, they were made by carving faces into turnips or potatoes. But when the Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, they began using pumpkins instead. Nowadays, jack o lanterns come in all shapes and sizes and are a popular way to add some spooky charm to any Halloween celebration.