I would like to give you a little background on Halloween prior to some safety tips. First Halloween, also known as, All Hallows Eve, is observed on the 31st of October. In ancient Britian and Ireland, the celtic festival of Samhain was celebrated as Halloween.

A jack-o-lantern carved in an evil face, lit with a candle placed inside, became the symble of Halloween. In Scotland they used a turnip.It was believed that ghost and spirts returned to their homes on this night, and deals with the devil could be accomplished.

Immigrants to the United States, particularly the Irish, introduced secular Halloween customs. Trick or treating by youngsters consisted of dressing up in costumes, and going door to door asking for a treat or a trick. Treats consisted mostly of candy, tricks ranged from dumping over sheds, soaping windows, and other small items of no real consequence.

In 1965, Unicef has used Halloween as a means to collect money for the United Nations Childrens Fund.

Back when I was a small lad trick or treating was relativley safe. No more. Now in this day and age Halloween has taken on a whole new meaning. Parents and children have to be aware of the treats collected during Halloween, as many can contain harmful things such as, pins, needles, and even poisen.

Now here are some safety tips for all you young ghouls and goblins for your trick or treating pleasure this year:

1. Wear painted faces instead of masks to avoid your vision being impared.

2. Cross streets at the corner only, do not dart in and out from behind vehicles or other obstructive items.

3. Go only to houses that have a porch light on. Never enter a house, collect your treat at the door.

4. If possible plan your route and have an adult or family member go with you.

5. Be on the lookout for strangers and animals.

6. Carry a flashlight with you so you can see where you are going.

7. Make sure you are back home by a specified time.

8. Have a code name or number that is known only to you and your parents. (That way no stranger can say your Mom or Dad sent them to get you).

9. Keep away from fire or flames, many costumes can catch fire quickly.

10. Do not eat any open candy or in fact it would be best not to eat anything until you get home and check it over with an adult. Many schools, organizations, and familes plan Halloween parties for children in place of door to door Halloweening. This is a safe and smart way to celebrate Halloween.