The “Great Pumpkin”. The gift from a trailing vine. Having been enamored with pumpkins since youth, perhaps a visual appreciation of the grand cultivar of squash is at hand. Fall’s arrival pairs with the iconic visual emblem of the “Pumpkin”. The round, smooth and slightly ribbed skin of the pumpkin continues to endure as a coveted emblem of Fall. Of course, one must have at least one or more of these Autumnal gifts of nature upon Fall’s arrival. Bursts of rich Fall colors that emulates the changing trees within the great outdoors, bringing indoors these elements of Autumn seems to denote a passing of seasons within our spaces. Consider not just the great orange, classic pumpkin, but also the additional display that brings the mere “orange” pumpkin to a new level: heirloom selections from the world of pumpkins. Inspired upon a recent visit to the “Pumpkin Patch”, camera in hand, the great pumpkin was in focus. Consider the grayish green Jarrahdale, the creamy, light orange “Long Island Cheese” (a more flattened and often ribbed shape- perfect for stacking), the striking “White” pumpkin and of course, the “Cinderella” pumpkin (resembling a flattened cushion of natural style). So many stunning variations abound for our personal preference and statement to embellish our exterior and interior spaces. And why not decorate with the vast variations of sizes, shapes, colors and distinctive appeal of “Pumpkins”? Whether stacked in towering delight or standing alone, the pumpkin certainly is a visual delight. Delightful inspirations, for certain.
The term “Pumpkin” refers to a certain genus cultivar of squash known as “Cucurbita”. The word “Pumpkin” comes from the British word “Pumpion” which was derived from the French word “Pompon”. Of interest, “Pompon” was taken from the ancient Greek word “Pepon” for melon. Interesting. Pumpkins, like other squash, are believed to have originated in North America. However, the oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds were found in Mexico, dating between 7000 and 5500 BC. An enduring botanical cultivar, indeed! For further insights in the appreciation of the pumpkin and its history, it is said that the Native American Indians in the New World used pumpkin as a staple in their diets for centuries before the arrival of the Pilgrim settlers by boat. The settlers would embrace the sweet, multi-purpose fruit and eventually return to Europe with the seeds of this vine growing gourd. Expanded appreciation would certainly result.
Of note, it is believed that the first pumpkins were of the ‘crooked neck’ variety rather than the ribbed or creased, classic and iconic orange pumpkin. Who knew? Of interest, in New Zealand and Australian English, the term “Pumpkin” generally refers to the broader category of thick skinned “Winter Squash”. Either way, this cultivar that is considered a fruit that is layered in a thick shell has found its way into commercial use, both in food and recreation. Grown all over the world on six of the seven continents (the exception being Antarctica) it is no surprise that the pumpkin in all its glory has remained a glorious icon of the season. The appreciation of the Autumnal gift of nature, indeed….
And of the culinary bliss of the Great Pumpkin? This versatile gourd features edible flowers, seeds (known as “Pepitas” that become a roasted, edible delight) and the mild, sweet flavored orange pulp rich in vitamins. An added bonus to the decoration factor, for certain! Of course, the culinary uses are wide and varied for this tasty fruit from a trailing vine. And of the tradition of carving pumpkins into Jack-O-Lanterns? Perhaps that tradition and its history which was brought to America by Irish Imigrants, is another topic of focus, indeed. Yet should I mention it was originally a turnip that would be replaced by the great pumpkin as a Jack-O-Lantern? Again, who knew? However you view the great gift of the vine, the pumpkin certainly deserves our appreciation…
Consider the pumpkin as nature’s perfect icon of the Fall. Possessing a deep yellow to orange coloration or the varied mix of hues and styles, whether decorating with pumpkins as Halloween adornment, bedecked in style, such as coated and gilded with silver, gold or copper, embellished with elegant distinction or unexpected delight as decorations of Autumn’s bounty, the embellishment of pumpkins within our exteriors and interior worlds earns appreciation. Consider tucking in these cool weather crops of Autumn delight throughout your personal world. Whether piles of pumpkins, towering layers of staggered height or a pumpkin standing solo, pumpkins are a natural approach to decorating for the season. Setting a festive tone for the arrival of the Fall Season, for certain. And of the decoration with pumpkins as celebratory focal points of life’s memorable occasions? Nature’s appreciation paired with memorable events, for certain. An iconic element of Fall that welcomes the season. The “Great Pumpkin”, indeed…
“I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion”
-Henry David Thoreau