Title: The Curious History of Pumpkins: A Fall Favorite with Shady Origins Pumpkin spice lattes may be synonymous with autumn these days, but did you know that the humble pumpkin has quite an interesting history? In a recent article by Bill Chappell for NPR, we learn about the curious journey of this beloved fall icon. From its ancient Greek roots to its modern-day popularity as a symbol of simpler times and family farms, pumpkins have come a long way since their inception. The word “pumpkin” itself is not a botanical term but rather describes any squash that has been bred to resemble the shape we associate with pumpkins today. Curator of archaeobotany and archaeogenomics at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Logan Kistler explains that “pumpkin” isn’t a specific group of plants but rather an idea based on appearance. The origin of the word “pumpkin” can be traced back to ancient Greece where it was derived from the Greek word pepon. It later evolved into French as pompon and eventually made its way into English as a variant of “pompion,” which dates back to the 1500s. While the etymology may have European roots, pumpkins themselves are native to North America. Associate Professor of History at the University of Delaware, Cindy Ott, notes that despite their shady origins (which we’ll delve into later), pumpkins remain more popular than ever before. People buy everything from actual pumpkin-shaped gourds to pumpkin spice lattes because they associate these items with nostalgia for simpler times and the small family farm. So, what are those “shady origins” we mentioned earlier? Well, it turns out that not all is as rosy as it seems when it comes to our beloved fall symbol. In her book Pumpkin: The Curious History of an American Icon, author Cindy Ott reveals some less-than-ideal aspects of pumpkins’ past. For example, during the 19th century in Europe and America, pumpkins were often used as a cheap source of food for livestock rather than being consumed by humans themselves! Despite these somewhat unsavory beginnings, pumpkins have managed to shake off their less-than-stellar past and become synonymous with autumn. From jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween to the first bites of Thanksgiving pie, pumpkins are an integral part of our fall celebrations. In conclusion, while we may associate pumpkins primarily with cozy sweaters, crisp leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes, it’s important not to forget their fascinating history – complete with both romanticized ideals and less-than-ideal origins. As we enjoy our favorite fall treats this season, let us remember that the humble pumpkin has come a long way from its roots in ancient Greece all the way to becoming a symbol of simpler times here in America.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/10/08/nx-s1-5563776/pumpkin-word-origin-history)
#pumpkin:
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