Pumpkin: Cendrillon's Golden Carriage (Cinderella)

The night of the Royal Ball was fast approaching, and though her heart ached to go, Cendrillon (known commonly as Cinderella) had only rags to wear. Her cruel stepfamily mocked her dreams, leaving her weeping quietly by the hearth.

That is until her Fairy Godmother appeared, tasked with a magnificent transformation. First, she needed materials. "Bring me a pumpkin," the Godmother commanded. Cendrillon quickly fetched the largest, most humble pumpkin from the garden patch.

With a touch of her wand and a whispered spell, the miracle began. The rough, earthy skin of the gourd softened and stretched, swelling rapidly into a grand, golden carriage. The stem twisted into elegant framework, and the interior bloomed with velvet.

Next, six scurrying mice were transformed into a sleek team of horses, and a humble lizard became the footman. The magic was pure, garden-fresh transformation, pulling Cendrillon out of the dirt and into destiny.

This legendary moment—created by Charles Perrault in 1697—solidified the pumpkin’s place in folklore. It is the ultimate symbol of hidden potential: something common and seasonal, capable of becoming magnificent, provided you have a little bit of magic.