Although there isn't much room for pumpkin carvings in mainstream or consumer art, this method of expression is complete with a traditional history that many Halloween enthusiasts have probably never heard. To start, Halloween is based of an ancient Celtic celebration known as Samhain, which translates to "summer's end" in the native language. Other names for this day include the Witches New Year by nature based religious groups and the Last Harvest. Because of the fundamental emphasis on that years harvest, gourds, turnips, and eventually pumpkins were used to create a lantern with spiritual significance.
When settlers from Europe arrived in North America, which is the indigenous home of the pumpkin, they found that this fruit- yes it is a fruit- was easier to carve and large enough to make more intricate designs. In the past, vegetables with an inserted burning lump of coal placed inside were set on porches and in windows to welcome deceased loved ones and ward of mischievous spirits. 
Many know that when a pumpkin is taken from a simple fruit to a unique, celebratory decoration, it is then called a Jack o' Lantern. The history behind this term comes from an old Irish myth about a man known as "Stringy Jack". Jack himself was known as a crafty, quick-witted fellow. One evening, Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. Knowing this monster would love to do some deceiving, he suggested the idea of paying with a coin that the devil transformed into. When the devil agreed and took the form of a coin, Jack put him in his pocket next to a silver cross which hindered the demon's ability to return to normal form. Jack agreed to free him after agreeing that should he die within the year, the devil would not be able to come claim his soul. So a year passed and jack was still kicking. When the devil arrived to finally put an end to their contract, Jack again tricked him into climbing a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up there, Jack carved a cross into the tree bark which forbid the devil from coming down. The new terms we that Jack had 10 years of time where the devil couldn't claim his soul. When Jack eventually passed away, the devil couldn't come take his soul away and god refused to take such a knifing specimen into heaven. So with nowhere to go, the Jack went to the devil only to be turned away into the night with nothing but a burning coal in a carved out turnip. He was from that point on known as Jack of the Lantern, or for short, Jack o' Lantern. These days, people carve out pumpkins, squash, and turnips in honor of this historical figure.What used to be a superstitious religious event is now the second largest grossing commercial holiday in the United States. Perfect for uniting communities, creating a celebration for children, and providing reason for social gatherings among adults, Halloween is a tradition that will remain a staple of ceremonial festivities.
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