HALLOWEEN FACTS Thought you ought to know… By Kelly Koch, RA, University of South Florida

Haunted History Halloween's origins date back more than 2,000 years. On what we consider November 1, Europe's Celtic peoples celebrated their New Year's Day, called Samhain (SAH-win). On Samhain eve—what we know as Halloween—spirits were thought to walk the Earth as they traveled to the afterlife. Fairies, demons, and other creatures were also said to be abroad.

Costumed Celts! In addition to sacrificing animals to the gods and gathering around bonfires, Celts often wore costumes—probably animal skins—to confuse spirits, perhaps to avoid being possessed By wearing masks or blackening their faces, Celts are also thought to have impersonated dead ancestors. In an early form of trick-or-treating, Celts costumed as spirits are believed to have gone from house to house engaging in silly acts in exchange for food and drink.

Great Halloween Movies! 1.Hocus Pocus 2.The Witches 3.Nightmare Before Christmas 4.It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown 5.Halloween 6.Night of the Living Dead 7.Edward Scissor Hands 8.The Exorcist 9.A Nightmare on Elm Street 10.The Silence of the Lambs

Top 10 Halloween Candies 1.Snickers 2.Nerds 3.Tootsie Rolls 4.Life Savers 5.M&Ms 6.Reese’s 7.Twizzlers 8.Butterfinger 9.Skittles 10.Candy Corn

Be Safe, not Scared! Use the Buddy System! Do not walk alone at night. –No buddy? Call Safe Team for a ride home (813) Use the watch your BAC cards from wellness to keep your blood alcohol level in check Take the sidewalk! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 44% of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night involved a driver or motorcyclist who was legally impaired. Carry a flashlight!

Have a Ghoulishly good time! There is a lot more to Halloween than just partying. Check out these on campus alternatives for a unique and fun experience! Salsaween Hosted by the Latin American Student Organization – October 28 th 8:00 PM -11:30 PM, Marshall Student Center Bulls Night Out: CArNIBAL –October 29 th 9:00 PM- 12:00 AM, Marshall Student Center HvZ Zombie Prom –October 30 th 8:00 PM- 11:00 PM, Marshall Student Center

Submitted by: Kelly Koch, Resident Assistant University of South Florida