Although pumpkins are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, the reference to gourds in the story of Jonah (Jonah 4:6-10) provides a symbolic parallel. In this context, the pumpkin can be seen as an emblem of God's providence, shelter, and compassion. Its association with harvest time further connects it to themes of divine abundance, gratitude, and the cyclical nature of spiritual renewal. The transformation of a pumpkin—such as carving it into a lantern—can echo biblical motifs of inner illumination and the revelation of truth, as light is brought forth from within darkness.

In Buddhist symbolism, the pumpkin serves as a metaphor for impermanence (anicca) and the natural cycles of arising and passing away. Its transformation—whether through carving or decay—underscores the transient nature of all forms and the value of non-attachment. A ripe pumpkin may also symbolize the fruition of wholesome karma and the rewards of mindful cultivation.

Culturally, pumpkins are closely linked to harvest festivals, abundance, and transformation, particularly in Western traditions like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns represents creativity, the warding off of evil, and the interplay between light and darkness. In many societies, pumpkins also serve as emblems of hospitality, community, and celebration.

In Hindu practice, pumpkins are sometimes offered to deities, symbolizing prosperity, the removal of obstacles, and the absorption of negative energies. The pumpkin's journey from seed to fruit mirrors the soul's path toward realization, and its use in festivals (such as Sankranti) signifies abundance and auspiciousness. Carving or breaking a pumpkin can also symbolize the destruction of ego or negativity, making way for spiritual progress.

In Islam, the pumpkin (yaqtīn) is directly referenced in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:146), where Allah causes it to grow to shade and nourish Prophet Yunus (Jonah) after his ordeal. This makes the pumpkin a potent symbol of divine mercy, protection, and sustenance. Dreaming of pumpkins in an Islamic context may signify Allah's care, the blessings that follow hardship, and the importance of gratitude for divine favors.

From a psychological perspective, pumpkins can symbolize latent potential, creativity, and the process of transformation. A ripe pumpkin may indicate readiness to harvest the fruits of one's labor, while carving a pumpkin can reflect the shaping of personal identity or the expression of hidden aspects of the self. A decaying pumpkin might represent missed opportunities or anxieties about aging and loss. The transformation of a pumpkin in a dream may point to subconscious desires for change, renewal, or surprise.

Spiritually, the pumpkin embodies the cycle of growth, harvest, and decay, mirroring the impermanence and renewal present in all life. Its round, seed-filled form can symbolize wholeness, abundance, and the interconnectedness of existence. The act of carving or transforming a pumpkin may represent the unveiling of inner light or wisdom, and the acceptance of change as an essential part of spiritual evolution.