THE HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

Many Full Moons ago,

Celtics, practicing the Druid religion celebrated New Year's day on November 1st. This was called "All Saints' Day". October 31st was called "All Hallows' Eve". On this night, the Celts held a fire festival called "Samhain". This night signalized the close of the harvest and the initiation of the cold and dark season of winter.

On All Hallows' Eve, it was believed that the doors opened between the world of the dead and the world of the living. This allowed the spirits of the dead to come into the world of the living.

The belief was that the spirits were resentful that humans took over their lands. It was customary to wear disguises to conceal one's identity from the spirits so that they would not be harmed. Many also would carve turnips to represent faces. (This is how our Jack-O-Lanterns originated).

During most of these activities, many of the people would imitate the spirits and go from house to house begging for treats. Practical jokes were played whenever a house failed to supply treats. There was often the best of food and milk left for the spirits to satisfy them. (This is were Trick-or-Treat originated).

These Celtic practices was brought to America when the potato crop in Ireland failed. Many of the Irish people who were modern day descendants of the Celts, came to America with the observance of the Celtic festival practices.

Remember my little pretties "BE SAFE" this Halloween

Halloween SAFETY RULES

• Make a route of the homes you are going to go to and STICK to it.

• Wait to eat your candy until you get home and your parents have checked it

• Respect people's homes, lawns, bushes, lights and things that could break

• Stay in a group with your friends

• Don't eat too much candy

• Accept treats only in the doorway

• Always use common sense

• Young children should always go trick or treating with an adult

• Be very cautious of strangers

• Be sure and say thank you for your treats

• Don't play near lit jack-o-lanterns

• Visit only houses where the lights are on

• Walk on sidewalks and driveways

• Cross the street at the corner or in a crosswalk

• Carry a flashlight

Halloween Recipes

halloween recipes - Bing News Indian River elementary students finding treasures in the garden | Photo Gallery "I eat more vegetables and less junk food, and definitely less sweets, except on Halloween." First-grade teacher Coletta ... for supplies and worked with students to design healthy recipes for their produce bounty. "I hope they learned about ... Pizza Mummies Disguises aren't just for Halloween. Surprise your family with these dressed-up, spooky-looking snacks any time of year. Kids can help by spooning the pizza sauce on the English muffin and making the mummy face with the cheese and vegetables. Heat the oven ... Pumpkin seeds available all year long at local farm markets Roasted pumpkin seeds are something you might only think of around Halloween, but these ‘seasonal’ snacks ... and are one of the ingredients in the nutritious rabbit treat mix recipe. Of course, during the first few weeks of November, it is also ... IMPORTANT: Bing News RSS feed has moved! Go to the new RSS page and renew your subscription. Mac 'N Cheese lovers are in for a treat at Wendy's This week I reached out for a bowl of Mac 'N Cheese, the timeless classic, at Wendy's, where they have a new slogan: "Quality is Our Recipe." We're not opposed ... and won't turn your mouth Halloween orange like the Kraft classic. Got to give Wendy's ...