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Pumpkin ritual to fill your home with light in autumn

As the days grow shorter, people in many places light up their windows and decorate pumpkins, a symbol of the harvest and of autumn's abundance. This ritual revives that custom in a simple, safe way: you hollow out a small pumpkin, light it with an LED candle and place it at the entrance like a welcoming beacon. It is a warm way to say goodbye to summer, give thanks for what the year has brought and greet the dark season with light.

By the Cardaluna editorial team · Updated

In short: As the days grow shorter, people in many places light up their windows and decorate pumpkins, a symbol of the harvest and of autumn's abundance. You need 5 simple items and 5 steps. When: From the autumn equinox to early November, especially on the nights around 31 October.

When to do it

From the autumn equinox to early November, especially on the nights around 31 October. Also at the new moon, to begin the season with a clear intention.

What you need

  • A small pumpkin
  • A large spoon and a small knife
  • A battery-powered LED candle
  • A plate or tray
  • Paper and a pen

Step by step

  1. Carefully cut off the top of the pumpkin; if there are children around, let an adult do this part, and put the knife away afterwards. Scoop it out with the spoon and set aside the flesh and seeds.
  2. On a piece of paper, write three things you are grateful for this year and one intention for winter, for example: “Take care of my home and my rest.”
  3. Fold the paper and put it under the plate. Place the pumpkin on top, set the lit LED candle inside and put the lid back on.
  4. Take the pumpkin to the entrance or a window, watch its glow for a moment and say: “I welcome autumn with light; my home is warm and welcoming.”
  5. Switch on the light every evening for a week and, when you switch it off, give thanks for something good from the day.

Safety first

These rituals are symbolic. Do not ingest herbs or oils, ventilate the room when burning incense or herbs, and never perform a ritual to harm or control anyone.

To finish

Always use an LED candle rather than a real flame: heat builds up inside the pumpkin and something could easily catch fire. Keep the batteries out of reach of children and pets. Cook the flesh into a soup or roast the seeds so nothing goes to waste and, when the pumpkin starts to soften, put it in the compost. To refresh the atmosphere at home, pair it with the rosemary energy cleansing.