CLAY COUNTY - Oct. 31 is around the corner. And you know what that means. Pumpkin carving, scary movies, creepy costumes, empty candy aisles and ghastly guests. …
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CLAY COUNTY - Oct. 31 is around the corner. And you know what that means. Pumpkin carving, scary movies, creepy costumes, empty candy aisles and ghastly guests.
It also means trick-or-treating is near. A family-friendly tradition, did you know the pastime has roots traced back to Celtic festivals, early Roman Catholic holidays and medieval practices?
According to History.com, Halloween was originally called Samhain and marked the end of harvest season for Celtic farmers. They celebrated with a festival on Oct. 31 and disguised themselves in animal skin costumes to drive away spirits.
The Celts began dressing as ghosts in exchange for food and drinks in later centuries, which was thought to be like trick-or-treating. The common phrase we know today, however, was established in popular culture in 1952.
So, next time you knock on your neighbor’s door asking for candy, you know why!
Although the tradition is exciting for young children, it’s important to remember some safety precautions while having a good time.
According to the American Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 3,200 Halloween-related injuries are treated in emergency departments every year.
To make sure you and your loved ones stay safe this spooky season, here are some safety tips to keep in mind as told by the National Safety Council:
All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant.
Use glow sticks, reflective tape or flashlights for children who will be out after dark. According to Safekids.org, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than on any other day of the year.
Young children should always be accompanied by adults. If older children are going alone, make sure to review a planned route and coordinate a specific return time.
Always enforce stranger danger.
Children should not eat any candy until they return home. According to the Food and Drug Administration, parents should always inspect all candy thoroughly and encourage children not to accept anything that isn’t commercially wrapped. Also, check the labels if your child has a food allergy.
Because remember…no tricks, just treats!
