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TAMING HALLOWEEN SUGAR MONSTERS: Halloween conjures up images of sweet treats ranging from homemade caramel apples and creamy pumpkin pies to bags filled to the brim with candy. But with the growing epidemics of obesity and type II diabetes, many Americans are looking for more health-conscious ways to celebrate the holiday, says Jo Carol Chezem, a nutrition professor. She suggests choosing lower-calorie alternatives, watching portion sizes and adjusting the focus from foods to activities.
GHOSTS ARE CHASING SANTA CLAUS IN STORES: Retailers unveiled scary displays of Halloween items in late August in hopes of increasing sales with a longer shopping season, says James Lowry, a retail marketing analyst. With sales expected to surpass last year's $6.9 billion level, Halloween trails only Christmas in retail sales. In 2002, consumers spent about $44 per household on Halloween candy, costumes and decorations.
RITUALS DATE BACK THOUSANDS OF YEARS: Dressing in costumes, bobbing for apples and other rituals associated with Halloween can be traced back to the Greeks, Druids and Romans. Over the centuries, various cultures adopted the rituals to fit their holidays, says Fred Suppe, history professor.
PARENTS MUST TALK TO YOUNGSTERS BEFORE MONSTERS ARRIVE: The simple thought of monsters, ghosts and goblins walking around the neighborhood may scare young children. Parents should have a talk with young children, explaining that Halloween is a fun activity and the monsters aren't real, says Theresa Kruczek, an early childhood counselor.
MINORITY GROUPS OFTEN TARGETS OF PRANKS: Halloween has traditionally been a time for young people to pull practical jokes and harmless pranks on unsuspecting friends and neighbors. However, the holiday has also become a time when young males violently attack minority groups. In the Midwest, the Amish are often targets of such attacks, commonly known as claping, says Bryan Byers, criminal justice professor. .
HORROR FANS LOVE TO LAUGH: Parodies of popular horror movies are just as popular as the scary originals because people like to poke fun at things that frighten them, says Wes Gehring, a film professor. His top parodies include "Fright Night," "The Lost Boys," "An American Werewolf in London" and the "Scream" movies.
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