Feeding for Rewards
The Jack O' Lantern NPC spawns every two hours for exactly five minutes near the Witch's location. It requests "Halloween treasures"—crops grown from Spooky Seeds, Halloween-mutated plants like Ghostly or Spooky variants, or Great Pumpkins from Sam's Seed Stall. Players feed these items to receive rewards, including Candy Corn, crates, eggs, or other event exclusives. Feeding multiple items increases potential yields, though results vary; for example, Bloodred Mushrooms often yield two Candy Corn each. Missing the window means lost opportunities, so prepare harvests in advance. Interactions may include a jumpscare for added thrill.
Obtaining and Growing
The Jack O' Lantern seed is a Rare Halloween crop available at the Spooky Seeds Shop for 24 Candy Corn. Once planted, it grows into an orange cube with a carved, glowing face and green stem, similar to other event plants. Harvested Jack O' Lanterns become prime offerings for the NPC, boosting event progress and Candy Corn efficiency. Pair with pets like the Ghost Bear for mutation chances to enhance value.
Historical Origins
The Jack O' Lantern draws from Irish folklore about Stingy Jack, a cunning drunkard who tricked the devil into eternal wandering after being denied entry to heaven or hell. To light his way, Jack carved a turnip and placed a coal from hell inside. Irish immigrants to America adapted turnips to abundant pumpkins, evolving the tradition into the carved lanterns we know today.
Cultural Symbolism and Traditions
Jack O' Lanterns symbolize warding off evil spirits on Halloween, rooted in Celtic Samhain festivals. In Ireland, turnip versions protected against fairies; in the U.S., pumpkin carvings light porches to guide souls and deter ghosts. Mexico's Día de los Muertos incorporates similar motifs with marigold-lit altars and candy skulls, blending indigenous and Catholic elements for honoring the dead.