A Theory of Parenting - Halloween II

In the United States children carved faces on hollowed-out pumpkins and put lighted candles

inside to make jack-o'-lanterns. Halloween celebrations today reflect many of these early customs.

Stores and homes display orange and black figures of witches, bats, black cats, and pumpkins.

People dressed in fanciful outfits go to costume parties, where old-fashioned games like bobbing

for apples in tubs of water may be a part of the festivities. Children put on costumes and masks

and go from house to house demanding "trick or treat." The treat, usually candy, is generally given

and the trick rarely played. Some parents feel this custom is dangerous.