Halloween tips and treats

  • Published
  • By 75th Air Base Wing Safety Office

Brief History

More than 2000 years ago Celtic celebrations were held on the first day of November to signify the end of summer. The belief was the night before, Oct. 31, ghosts of the dead returned.

Around 600 A.D. All Saints Day was declared by Pope Gregory and was also held on Nov 1. By 1000 A.D., it was called All Souls Day to honor the dead. The celebrations were similar to today with bonfires, and with dressing up in costumes.

The term All-Hallows’ Eve began at this time and eventually it was just called Halloween.

Colonial festivals involved ghost stories, but it was a long time before Halloween became widely celebrated in America. The “holiday” transformed more into what we recognize today in the late 1800s.

Fun facts

Did you know Halloween spending is expected to exceed $10 billion in 2022?

Did you know Spiderman is the most worn Halloween costume for children?

Safety Tips

- Use flashlights, glow sticks, reflective items

- Use fire-resistant costumes

- Use face paint instead of masks

- Use well-lit routes

- Provide adult supervision

- Inspect treats for choking hazards

- Drive with extreme care

- Use glow sticks instead of candles in pumpkins

Driving safety

- This year, Halloween celebrations may range from Saturday night to Monday night. Be on the lookout for children in locations and during hours outside the norm.

- Children can’t see as well with masks and costume accessories on.

- Reduce your speed, especially in residential areas.

- Unfortunately, child, pedestrian fatalities increase 57% on Halloween, and this number increases every year. Don’t perpetuate this statistic.