A crisp wind blows, leaves crunch under foot, the smell of pumpkins and burning candles drift through the air – then you know it’s Halloween! Many people know the word Halloween is the shortening of the term All Hallows Eve. But, did you know that Halloween has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced ‘sah-win’). In the Gaelic culture, the festival was a celebration of the end of harvest season; and a time to take stock in supplies and prepare for winter. The Gaels believed that on October 31st, the boundaries between the world of the living and the dead overlapped. They believed the deceased would come back to life and cause havoc like sickness and damaged crops. To scare away the evil spirits, they burned bonfires and wore masks and costumes.
Scare up some magical family memories of your own this Halloween by following these safety tips:
- Children under the age of 12 should trick-or-treat with an adult. Kids mature enough to be without an adult should stick to familiar, well-lit areas and stay in groups.
- Make sure children are seen – have them carry flashlights, wear glow sticks or attach reflective tape to their costumes or treat bags.
- Always walk on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks or intersections. Kids should never dart into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Costumes should fit properly to avoid trips and falls.
- Use face-paint and make-up when possible instead of a mask, which can obstruct a child’s vision. Always test the face paint on a small patch of skin before applying to the entire face.
- Inspect the treats for signs of tampering before the kids are allowed to eat them. Throw out any candy with ripped, torn or worn wrappers. Kids should only eat candy in original, unopened wrappers.
- When driving on Halloween night – slow down, anticipate heavy foot traffic and turn your headlights on earlier than normal. Remember kids are excited and may move in unpredictable ways.
At Casey & Devoti we are committed to keeping our family, friends and clients safe. We wish you and your family a fun and safe Halloween.
