10 Etiquette Tips for a Safe and Sane Halloween
Autumn is here, which means my favorite holiday, Halloween, has rolled 'round again.
This is the night for telling frightening ghost stories, bobbing for apples, and most fun of all - "trick or treating.
" I always wondered about the origins of Halloween, and this year I decided to find out.
Halloween is usually referred to as a holiday (a corruption of the words holy day) which evolved from ancient Celtic religious and superstitious beliefs based on death, ghosts, and witchcraft.
It's origins are connected to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced <i>sa'win</i>, an old-Irish word signifying the beginning of winter.
Some churches consider Halloween an affront to Christianity, since it originated in paganism.
Most regard it as a fun, secular event, enjoyed mostly by children.
From information passed down to us from scribes of long ago, our modern-day word <i>Halloween</i> is a variation of the 1700's holy day of All-Hallows-Even (evening), and is celebrated on the eve of October 31.
Halloween ushers in the Catholic feast day of All Saints, which is celebrated on November 1.
During the middle ages, poor people knocked on doors to ask for "soul cakes" or sweetened fried dough, and in return promised to pray for the departed souls of the giver's relatives.
By the mid-20th century, Halloween celebrations had taken on some chilling abuses.
What was once an adorable "Twick or Tweet" from a costumed five-year-old often morphed into a threat of vandalism by marauding bands of tricksters, transported by the carload into outlying neighborhoods.
Newspapers reported dangerous objects inserted into cupcakes and candy apples.
Some of that abuse still happens, so parents should always take precautions.
Tricking can work both ways.
Here are 10 tips for a safe, sane and courteous Halloween...
"Trick or Treaters" should go into retirement after the age of 12.
Most homeowners are understandably reluctant to open their doors to an overgrown masked reveller.
Parents generally agree that the best kind of Halloween focuses on festive costumes and parties sponsored by schools, houses of worship, and shopping malls.
Consider taking part in community parades, visiting haunted houses, and cruising through neighborhoods adorned with scary decor, and enjoy a safe and sane Halloween!
This is the night for telling frightening ghost stories, bobbing for apples, and most fun of all - "trick or treating.
" I always wondered about the origins of Halloween, and this year I decided to find out.
Halloween is usually referred to as a holiday (a corruption of the words holy day) which evolved from ancient Celtic religious and superstitious beliefs based on death, ghosts, and witchcraft.
It's origins are connected to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced <i>sa'win</i>, an old-Irish word signifying the beginning of winter.
Some churches consider Halloween an affront to Christianity, since it originated in paganism.
Most regard it as a fun, secular event, enjoyed mostly by children.
From information passed down to us from scribes of long ago, our modern-day word <i>Halloween</i> is a variation of the 1700's holy day of All-Hallows-Even (evening), and is celebrated on the eve of October 31.
Halloween ushers in the Catholic feast day of All Saints, which is celebrated on November 1.
During the middle ages, poor people knocked on doors to ask for "soul cakes" or sweetened fried dough, and in return promised to pray for the departed souls of the giver's relatives.
By the mid-20th century, Halloween celebrations had taken on some chilling abuses.
What was once an adorable "Twick or Tweet" from a costumed five-year-old often morphed into a threat of vandalism by marauding bands of tricksters, transported by the carload into outlying neighborhoods.
Newspapers reported dangerous objects inserted into cupcakes and candy apples.
Some of that abuse still happens, so parents should always take precautions.
Tricking can work both ways.
Here are 10 tips for a safe, sane and courteous Halloween...
- Young children should be accompanied by at least one parent.
- Your childrens' costumes should show their faces.
- Begin "trick or treating" just after sundown and end by 9 pm.
- Stay within a one- or two-block area of your home.
- Always carry a flashlight or lighted jack-o'-lantern.
- Don't tramp through gardens or cut across yards.
- A darkened house means the owners don't want to participate.
Respect their wishes. - Make sure the giver is thanked for treats.
- Don't let your children litter or damage property.
- Don't let your children eat any item not commercially wrapped or carefully inspected for safety.
"Trick or Treaters" should go into retirement after the age of 12.
Most homeowners are understandably reluctant to open their doors to an overgrown masked reveller.
Parents generally agree that the best kind of Halloween focuses on festive costumes and parties sponsored by schools, houses of worship, and shopping malls.
Consider taking part in community parades, visiting haunted houses, and cruising through neighborhoods adorned with scary decor, and enjoy a safe and sane Halloween!
