Proof of Gourd: #BitcoinWeen Charity Contest Inspires Bitcoin Jack-O'-Lanterns

Pumpkin carving is one of the most time-honored traditions surrounding Halloween, offering revelers the chance to cook up creations both spooky and spectacular.

Bitcoiners are no exception, as shown by a recent social media movement dubbed #BitcoinWeen. The movement was sparked on 28th October, when Blockchain CEO Nic Cary issued a call for jack-o’-lantern carvings inspired by either bitcoin or Blockchain.

Further, he offered to donate $500 in bitcoin to a charity chosen by the creator of the most retweeted pumpkin, sharing a couple of creations of his own.

Go! $500 BTC charity donation for the #bitcoin or @blockchain inspired pumpkin with the most retweets #bitcoinween pic.twitter.com/bt8tSviObK

— Nic Cary (@niccary) October 28, 2014

The past few days have seen submissions from a variety of sources from around the community. Many opted for the classic bitcoin symbol, while others took more detailed approaches.

Cary told CoinDesk that the project first began as a simple effort to carve pumpkins with the Blockchain team. He explained:

"I didn't anticipate how diffcult it would be to get hold of suitable pumpkins here in the UK, but eventually I tracked some down. We decided to turn the idea into an opportunity to bring some attention to all the amazing bitcoin accepting charities and non-profits that work tirelessly to support their communities."

Noting entries from supporters around the world, Cary added that the response demonstrates the community spirit that he said embodies the bitcoin movement.

Below are some of this year's entries, all of which can be found by searching for the #BitcoinWeen hashtag on Twitter. While the Halloween contest has ended, Blockchain-themed submissions are being accepted until 1st November.

Adam Gajewski shared his jack-o'-lantern yesterday, offering both a bitcoin “B” and an impressive depiction of a witch brewing a potion:

@niccary rep-ing my #bitcoin pumpkin for #bitcoinween, and witch :) pic.twitter.com/uKdJZEUJUE — Adam Gajewski (左亮） (@adam_0293) October 31, 2014

Panama-based bitcoin wallet service Coinapult offered up a seasonal creation, crafted by Freya Stevens:

Our entry to #Bitcoinween. Please RT if you like it. A great charitable initiative from @niccary#Bitcoinpic.twitter.com/MZev7hWLWh

— Coinapult (@Coinapult) October 29, 2014

CoinDesk's own Emily Spaven provided this publication's official entry, pairing a ghoulish grin with the classic bitcoin symbol on the back.

My #bitcoinween effort on behalf of @coindesk (front and back views). Happy Halloween! pic.twitter.com/1qZWonfE7a

— Emily Spaven (@emilyspaven) October 30, 2014

 Image via Shutterstock