1. The All-important Pumpkin

2. Introduction  For Americans, the pumpkin has come to symbolize everything that is important and meaningful about autumn.

3. Body 1  Native Americans grew and ate pumpkin and squash. The pumpkin became a favorite and an important garden vegetable. New Englanders, or “Yankees,” created the pumpkinhead, which is the most amusing use for a pumpkin.

4. Body 2  Every autumn there are many competitions held at pumpkin festivals all over the United States.

5. Body 3  People hollowed out pumpkins and put candles inside them to protect themselves from evil spirits.This custom of making “jack-o’-lanterns” started over 2000 years ago with the Celts.

6. Body 4  At Halloween, people would put jack-o’-lanterns on doorsteps everywhere.

7. Body 5  Pumpkins and corn are often used as decorations during the Thanksgiving holiday. They symbolize autumn and the spirit of the season--- gratitude.

8. Conclusion  Pumpkins are not only used as symbols. In fact, they are used in many ways.