In Scotland the main attribute was the turnip, but the uk quickly replaced pumpkin in the us as it was cheaper and more available
The pumpkin symbolises at the same time the end of the harvest, the evil spirit and the fire that scares him away
The legend of the jack-o-lanterns a lantern made from a pumpkin with cut holes in the form of eyes nose and mouth - also contributed to the popularisation of the pumpkin.