Halloween Safety Month is in October, and we’re going to arm you with safety tips and instructions so that you have a spooky Halloween in the safest way possible. Halloween is a time for creative costumes, trick-or-treating, soul cakes, and jack-o’-lanterns. Unfortunately, it is also a time when accidents happen and, therefore, it is vital that we understand the dos and don’ts while celebrating Halloween.
History of Halloween Safety Month
It is said that Halloween originated from the ‘Samhain’ festival observed by the Celts 2,000 years ago. The Celts believed that on this day, the ghosts of the dead returned to Earth. To observe this day, they held large bonfires and made costumes made out of animal heads and skin.
In the 9th century, Christianity had spread in the Celtic region and the church declared November 2 as All Souls’ Day. It was a day in remembrance of all the saints and martyrs. It is said that the name ‘Halloween’ was derived from the term ‘All Hallows,’ hallows referring to the saints.
In the Middle Ages, people started going house-to-house and reciting verses in exchange for food. It is said that this could have been the beginning of trick-or-treating. Some families cooked food for the ghosts of their deceased relatives.
By the 19th century, Halloween costumes started becoming popular. People dressed up as vampires, witches, devils, and ghosts. Trick-or-treat became immensely popular among kids. It was also the time when Halloween games like apple bobbing and fortune-telling named ‘Puicini’ emerged.
The modern-day costumes of Halloween are greatly inspired by works of fiction like “Frankenstein,” “Dracula,” “Beetlejuice,” “Annabelle,” and other spooky films and books.
Though it is not clear when exactly Halloween Safety Month was first observed, it was the National Safety Council that spread awareness about Halloween safety and encouraged people to observe Halloween Safety Month in October. Observing this month has greatly helped in reducing accidents that occur during Halloween as people are more aware of the risks associated with not following safety guidelines while celebrating Halloween.
Halloween Safety Month timeline
The Samhain festival, said to be the ancient origin of Halloween, is observed by the Celts.
People start dressing up in costumes and going from house to house, reciting verses in exchange for food.
People start experimenting with new Halloween ideas and costumes inspired by fictional characters, celebrities, and princesses.
The National Safety Council (N.S.C.) encourages people to observe October as Halloween Safety Month in an attempt to reduce accidents during Halloween.
Halloween Safety Month FAQs
How can I contribute to Halloween Safety Month?
Spread the word. Conduct workshops or make blog posts to make people realize the importance of having a safe Halloween. You can also keep a vigil in the neighborhood and provide assistance to anyone who might need it.
Name some of the best movies related to Halloween?
“Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Friday the 13th,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” are some of the best Halloween-themed movies out there.
What are five Halloween safety tips?
According to honest.com, the top five tips for a safe Halloween are:
- “Keep toxins out of costumes. It all starts when we get our little ones dressed.
- Plan your night ahead.
- Wear bright colors and/or add reflective tape to costumes.
- Accompany small children all the way to the doors.
- Always check candy before eating it.”
How to Observe Halloween Safety Month
Spread awareness
Conduct workshops for parents and children, teaching them about the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during Halloween. Making sure that the costumes are fire-resistant, inspecting the candies before eating them, and not venturing into unknown houses or buildings are some of the tips that need to be shared.
Write articles and blogs
Write articles or make short posts on social media informing people about Halloween Safety Month. Use the hashtag #HalloweenSafetyMonth so that the word is spread to a wider audience.
Make brochures and fliers
Halloween safety guidelines are not just for parents and kids. During Halloween, the streets are jam-packed with kids moving around and hence the chances of vehicular accidents are high. Therefore, motorists, cyclists, and bikers need to be extra careful during Halloween. Hand out fliers to motorists at traffic lights and cafes to make them aware of Halloween safety.
5 Facts About Halloween Costumes That Will Blow Your Mind
Rubie's is the biggest costume maker
Rubie's Costume Co. is the largest costume manufacturer for Halloween in the U.S.
Rubie's was a soda shop
Opened in 1951, Rubie's shop was initially a soda shop and novelty store.
The Flammable Fabrics Act was passed in 1953
The U.S. Flammable Fabrics Act, which mandates flammability standards for textiles, costumes, and apparel was passed in 1953.
The most sold Halloween costume
With more than 4.6 million costumes sold in 2020, the witch remains the most sold Halloween costume.
The jack-o’-lantern comes from an Irish folktale
Perhaps the most recognizable totem of Halloween, the jack-o’-lantern, comes from the Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack.
Why Halloween Safety Month is Important
Road accidents increase during Halloween
Kids, in their excitement, tend to get careless while crossing streets. Therefore, it is important for parents to teach their children basic road rules before they step out for trick-or-treating. Motorists should also take extra precautions on Halloween.
There's a high risk of fire accidents
There's always a high risk of fire accidents during Halloween parties. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you make sure that the costumes bought for Halloween are made of high-quality, fire-resistant material.
Candies may not be safe
After the infamous Candy Man incident in 1972 when a father killed his son by giving him candy laced with cyanide, people have been more careful than ever. An adult should always accompany the kids while they go out for trick-or-treating. Candies must be properly inspected before they are handed over to the children.
Halloween Safety Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | October 1 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 1 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 1 | Thursday |
| 2027 | October 1 | Friday |
| 2028 | October 1 | Sunday |
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