It’s October, the air is brisk and the leaves are changing! You may have noticed the nearest department store’s first two aisles are packed with Halloween decor and your neighbors are already putting up spooky props. Trick-or-treating is right around the corner. Celebrating Halloween can be fun. However, there are a few things to consider before going trick-or-treating.

Where Did Halloween Originate From?

According to the American English (AE), Halloween was once and to some, still called “All Hallows Eve.” A day for Christians to remember the men and women from St. Peter to St. Augustine to St. Thérèse of Lisieux—who have modeled holiness throughout the history of their church. It later blended with Celtic beliefs derived from the Celtic festival of Samhain. The Irish feared the dead would resurrect, kill their neighbor’s crops, and harm their loved one’s. In turn, the Irishmen would try to ward off the restless spirits by dressing in scary costumes. 

Based on another wise tale from ancient Celtic cultures, God refused to allow a man named Jack into Heaven. Jack then tricked the Devil into changing his form while trapping him in a disfigured state. The legend offered the Devil out of the deal in exchange for not taking his soul. 

Eventually, Jack could no longer trick the Devil. He was later sent away with a single ember to light his path and ward off evil spirits. Jack placed the ember in a carved-out turnip. To this day he has been roaming the Earth. Shower thought, maybe that’s how Jack got his name in the Disney movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas!”.

Why Go Trick-or-Treating or Celebrate Halloween?

Although All Hallow’s Eve originated in Europe, immigrants eventually carried their beliefs to North America. The tradition uniquely evolved and spread in popularity during the 19th century. 

Today, individuals dress up in both fun and spooky costumes, host Halloween parties for light entertainment, pass out candy, or go trick-or-treating. If a treat isn’t given then it’s a “free card” to play a trick on the homeowners for revenge. Benefits of celebrating Halloween include:

• An opportunity to gain social connections and emotional development with others
• Improved relationships with family and friends by spending quality time
• A greater sense of independence by exploring the community
• Ability to express creativity and expand imagination through costume-making
• Improved physical health through walking and venturing around the city

The Dangers of Trick-or-Treating

Aside from tripping on costumes, burning your hands on jack-o-lantern flames, having an allergic reaction from costume makeup, choking on candy, or getting lost, trick-or-treating can come with some serious risks. 

Research indicates that emergency departments are heavily inundated on Halloween night. It can be an exceptional event for healthcare workers as they witness extraordinary presentations. 

Children are 4 times as likely to be struck by a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other holiday. They commonly experience stomach issues from certain candies and intestinal perforations from sharp needles in poisoned sweets. They are also at a greater risk of getting kidnapped. 

Safety Precautions to Take When Trick-or-Treating

Knowing that Halloween can come with leading dangers, it is important for families to take precautions to reduce the risk of harm. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), some helpful tips to ensure your family’s safety include: 

• Trick-or-treat with a family member or friend and choose to visit familiar environments
• Use crosswalks, stroll on sidewalks, and stay in well-lit areas
• Bring flashlights, carry glow sticks, or add reflective stickers or tape on bags or costumes to increase your visibility
• Use face paint instead of masks to avoid limited vision
• Wait to eat candy until it has been inspected and take time to review the ingredients for possible allergens
• Refrain from entering homes and do not linger around on private property
• Avoid using non-prescription colored contact lenses. These are generally commercially sold and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
• Slow down and stay alert in both busy and quiet areas

Thinking Carefully Before Making a Decision

If you are religious, you may never watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas” again or even like the idea of celebrating Halloween. Trick-or-treating is not for everyone. There are different perspectives on this interesting day.

Whether celebrating Halloween goes against your family values and convictions, or you are simply concerned about your child’s safety, many individuals take light in celebrating for fun. If you follow important safety tips, refrain from practicing witchcraft, and avoid worshiping other deities you can still experience the benefits of celebrating Halloween. Additional things to consider before trick-or-treating include: 

• Planning a safe neighborhood route
• Exploring sensory-friendly environments 
• Staying cautious of strangers 
• Dressing warm and wearing well-fitted shoes
• Checking your dental health
• Staying well hydrated
• Searching for flame-resistant fabrics when shopping for costumes
• Remembering not to accept homemade treats
• Bringing an extra bag to fill with more candy