Here’s a brief history of the origin of Halloween:
The earliest record of Halloween goes back approximately 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain. This holiday was celebrated on November 1st and the night before Samhain, people believed that the dead returned as ghosts. To keep roaming spirits at bay, people would leave gifts of food and wine on their doorsteps and wore masks whenever they left the house so they would be mistaken for ghosts.
In the 8th century, the Christian Church turned Samhain into All Saints’ Day or All Hallows. The night before became All Hallows Eve and was later shortened to Halloween. Trick-or-treating, souling, and guising all originated in medieval Britain. On All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, the needy would beg for pastries known as soul cakes. In return, they would pray for an individual’s dead relatives and was called souling. Young people would wear costumes and go guising. They would receive gifts of food, wine, money, and other offerings in exchange for singing, reciting poetry, or telling jokes.
In the 19th century, America Scottish and Irish immigrants revived these traditions, which resulted in Trick-or-Treating. When it first started, it was more about the tricks in the form of pranks. It wasn’t until the 1950’s when it took on its family-centered form that we are familiar with today. U.S. consumers spend a combined totally of 6 billion dollars on Halloween costumes and candy each year, making it the second most commercial holiday after Christmas.
Each Buchheit retail store will be passing out Halloween candy to children in costume from 6:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, October 31st, 2017. You can submit your photos of your creative costumes and the day’s festivities to the Buchheit Photo Barn and you just may see one of your photos in our ad, Facebook page, or store signage!
Here are some holiday safety tips:
- Decorate treat bags and costumes with reflective tape and have children carry a glow stick or flashlight for extra visibility.
- Make sure that costumes and accessories are labeled as flame resistant.
- Masks reduce visibility and try non-toxic face paint is a safe alternative. Test the makeup for any irritation first.
- Lit jack-o’-lanterns should never be left unattended and should be placed on a sturdy table away from children or flammable objects.
- When driving, keep a look out for children.
- Children should always be chaperoned when trick-or-treating.
- Only go to familiar houses with lights on and never go inside the house.
- Have an adult examine all treats before eating them.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
