Halloween History
Halloween was originally a Celtic celebration to welcome in the winter season.
During this time, the Celts would open up their burial mounds allowing the spirits of their dead to walk through the village during the celebration.
Halloween History
These wandering spirits would either bring safety to the villagers during the winter (Treat) or they would usher in cold, hard times (Trick).
Modern Halloween
Now that Halloween has lost some if its more sinister connotations, it hasbecome an event based on fun and fantasy for adults and children alike.
Modern Halloween
The marketplace sees Halloween as mainly a “sales event preparation” – an event that prepares retailers and consumers for the major holidays to follow – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and Valentines Day.
Modern Halloween
It is also a good excuse
to dress like Batman
and eat as much candy
as you can in 24 hours!
Halloween Safety Topics
1. Treats
2. Costume Materials
3. Costume Design
4. Houses to Trick-or-Treat
5. Pedestrian Safety
Treats
Do not eat anything you receive while Trick-or-Treating until it is checked by an adult Food may be contaminated Allergies
Candy Checks Carefully check all candy received as soon as the
Trick-or-Treaters arrive home Remove all tampered, old, and “funny looking” candy Hospitals and Police Stations will check candy for
FREE Bring your own candy to eat while Trick-or-
Treating
Costume Materials
FLAME RESISTANT MATERIALS!!$ 2.99 Costumes = NO!!
As a general rule, the cheaper the costume the less flame resistant it will be.
Rayon and Synthetic Costumes
Costume Design
Trim costumes with reflective tape Carry flashlights (glow sticks,
flaming skulls, light sabers, etc.) Costumes should be short enough
to prevent children from tripping and falling
Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes
Costume Design
Masks should fit! Using face paint or make-up
whenever possible is a great alternative
Swords, knives, and similar costumeaccessories shouldbe of soft and flexible material
Houses to Trick-or-Treat
An ADULT should always accompany children
Don’t talk to strangersChildren should go only to homes
where the residents are knownOnly visit houses with outside
lights ONNever, ever go inside to collect
candy
Welcoming Trick-or-Treaters
Move Halloween decorations from the walkway
Make sure to have lights ONPlace battery operated lights in
Jack-O-Lanterns to avoid fire hazard
Keep sugar free and peanut free candy on hand
Pedestrian Safety
MOST IMPORTANT!Always have an adult or guardian
presentWalk on the side-walk – never in the
street!Go in the late afternoon or at night –
avoid sunset
Pedestrian Safety
Avoid walking between parked cars While driving – WATCH FOR
CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY WHEN BACKING – they really blend in while in costume!
Resources
www.wikipedia.comhttp://babyparenting.about.com/od/
holidayactivities/a/halloweensafety.htm
www.FDLE.com Images from Google Image Search
and Microsoft ClipArt Gallery
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