Every October, pumpkins carved with grinning faces illuminate neighborhoods, but some people have taken the spooky tradition to the next level.
From intricately carved "Game of Thrones" characters to portraits of pop-culture figures, artists have turned these seasonal fruits into works of art.
Today, carving pumpkins may be a lighthearted activity, but jack-o'-lanterns are based on an old and eerie legend from Ireland.
According to the myth, a mysterious man named Stingy Jack played tricks on the devil. On one occasion, Jack trapped the devil in a tree and allowed him down only once he'd promised to leave Jack alone. Once Jack died, God would not allow him into heaven, and the devil would not allow him into hell, leaving Jack trapped in the darkness in between. As the legend goes, Jack put a coal in a hollowed-out turnip to light his way — and he still roams around with this makeshift lamp to this day.
On Hallows' Eve, to ward off evil spirits like Jack, the Irish used to carve scary faces into turnips and gourds before placing a light in them. Irish immigrants are believed to have brought the tradition to the US.
For some inspiration for this year's Halloween, here are some of the most unbelievable pumpkin carvings you'll ever see.