Crisp, cooler temps, bright blue skies, red and yellow falling leaves . . . a time of fire pits and s’mores, football and for little ones, the promise of another exciting, candy-filled, out-at-night Halloween!
A few years ago, I asked the neighbors on our 30-house street (we have our own Facebook page) if they’d be interested if, instead of going door to door, they’d like to try a parade down our cul de sac, starting at the far end at 6:30 p.m. then finishing at number four, which is my house. They enthusiastically agreed.
The entire lane could hear the excited screams as princesses, storm troopers, ghosts, more princesses and a life-sized blow-up dinosaur, raced from house to house. Most residents brought out their lawn chairs to watch and film the parade; some folks parked their cars near the curb and turned trunks into spooky spaces filled with cobwebs and candy! Cute costumes, adorable kids, but best of all? We didn’t have to answer the door 29 separate times and everything was over before 7:15 p.m. or so.
Added bonus? Neighbors got to touch base with each other face to face!
A bit of history
Every child knows that Halloween is celebrated on the last day of October, but do they know the tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts?
In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, or simply Halloween. Back in the day, however, it was also Mischief Night! A time to TP front yards and soap windows, if you dared.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of trick-or-treating, carving of jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, creating clever, colorful costumes, watching Halloween movies, eating treats and perhaps even a bit of mischief!
Fun fact! One-quarter of all the candy sold annually in the United States is purchased for Halloween.
Safety first
Halloween is such a fun holiday for kiddos, but not as much for parents, who have to decide which one will safely walk the trick or treaters from house to house, and which must stay home to hand out treats.
Years ago, parents worried about razor blades in apples, or candy that wasn’t really candy. Scrutiny over the haul was and remains paramount. Now, parents must even determine which house is safe for their child to visit.
What do the colors mean?
If a trick or treater is carrying a bucket that’s not the traditional orange, it can signify that a child has a food allergy or behavioral difference. Though these signifiers can be controversial (some parents don’t want to be forced to disclose their child’s diagnosis), they can also be helpful in understanding the behavior and preferences of the excited children who knock on your door.
Here’s what the different colors mean:
Children carrying teal buckets may have a food allergy. It can be helpful to have allergen-free treats — or non-food items — on hand for these little ones.
Blue buckets, a few shades darker than their teal counterparts, signify that a child has autism and may have trouble communicating. Parents sometimes give autistic children blue buckets to hint to neighbors that the child might not speak or behave in an unexpected way.
If a child is carrying a purple bucket, they may have epilepsy. The Purple Pumpkin Project was started by a dad who wanted to raise awareness that children, like his son, may appear to be like other kids, but often face major physical and social challenges.
So keep an eye out for colored buckets this Halloween. Not only will you be making a child feel comfortable, you’ll also be giving parents (who are already concerned about inappropriate substances in Halloween candy) some relief and reassurance.
And if some of the trick or treaters ringing your doorbell seem too old to beg for candy, please let them be kids as long as possible.
Let the holiday celebrations begin!
Start the season off by picking the perfect pumpkin to decorate or to turn into muffins, bread, or other delicious treats! Check out Drew Farm, Good Pickin’ Farm, and other area locations.
Then, if you dare, visit The Lost Mummy Escape Room on Thursday, October 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Register here.
Tiny ghosts, ghouls and goblins can celebrate Halloween at the Monster Mash Trunk or Treat on Main Street on Saturday, October 24 from 1 to 4 p.m. Sign up on the Rodenbush website.
Also on Saturday, October 24, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., right across the street, don’t miss the Trunk or Treat at First Parish Church United, 48 Main. Learn more by clicking here.
Adults and older teens may be interested in a virtual tour of ‘Even More Haunted Lighthouses of New England’ on Monday, October 26, from 7 to 8:15 p.m, with Author Jeremy D’Entremont. Register here.
On Tuesday, October 27 register for a Special Effects Makeup session from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 65 Main Street, on the spooky third floor, where the Roudenbush ghost is said to haunt the halls. Learn more by clicking the link here.
And if you and your special trick or treaters are still up for more, visit Drew Farm’s annual after dark Pumpkin Light! A very spooky tradition, indeed! Hundreds of jack-o-lanterns are carved by local goblins and displayed throughout the orchard on Halloween night. A FREE event that is out of this world! The Pumpkin Light is traditionally held on Halloween night, to thank patrons for a wonderful fall season. Drew Farm is located at 31 Tadmuck Road. Call 978.807.0719 to confirm Pumpkin Lighting date and time. Oh, and don’t forget your camera.
