Bewitching tricks and treats

Schoolchildren hardly had time to settle back into school after the summer break before shops stocking up on their Hallowe'en wares.

Witches hats, vampire capes and devil's horns all made a comeback along with a variety of other consumer goodies.

But, like Christmas, have we lost the true meaning of Hallowe'en?

How many of the children, dressed up like an extra from the Addams Family, know why they knock on the doors of neighbours hoping sweets will be dished out?

The age-old tradition comes from All Hallows Eve, the night before All Hallows Day - All Saint's Day.

The tradition of dressing up as witches, goblins and ghosts dates back to Celtic Ireland in the 5th Century.

It was thought that on October 31 the spirits of all those who had died in the past 12 months would come back and try to possess living bodies.

In order to confuse the spirits they dressed up and paraded noisily around their villages.

Trick or treating dates not to the Americans but to a 9th Century custom called souling.

On November 2nd, All Souls Day, Christians would go to villages begging for soul cakes.

For each cake received the recipient would promise a prayer on behalf of dead relatives.

There is also the belief that this dates to Celtic mythology when October 31 marked the turning of the year when the veil between the two worlds - human and fairy - was at its thinnest.

People would imitate fairies and go from house-to-house begging for treats. Failure to supply anything would result in practical jokes.

Being born on All Souls Day means that I've come to learn the other traditions that encompass Halloween.

Did you know that in Mexico November 2 is as big a money-spinner as October 31 is across the world?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated with families sending candles downstream in remembrance of their loved ones.

Britain might not want to be as morbid but, by the look of the merchandise in the shops, Hallowe'en is a time for the kids to be scared.

Across the city there's an abundance of outfits that children will no doubt have been badgering their parents for.

There are also a host of edible Hallowe'en goodies - perfect if you're planning a spooky soiree.

Sainsbury's at Blackpole, Worcester, has launched a range of bewitching nibbles.

Kids (and adults too) can be haunted by Zipalong the Ghost, retailing at £1.99.

He's a soft toy ghost who comes complete with a selection of tasty jellybeans. Pull his string and watch him speed towards you!

Or why not be spooked by the store's Jellypops. These are four scary hand-decorated character lollies in the style of a ghost, dracula, frankensteinand a pumpkin, all at 59p each.

The store has also come up trumps with ways to keep kids amused before the witching hour.

The bake-a-bat cookie kit costs £1.99 and includes all the necessary ingredients to get mouths watering.

Of course, the store's many different Hallowe'en sweets may be useful for trick or treating.

And no October 31 would be complete without getting dressed up. If you're stuck for an outfit there are plenty to choose from.

Whether it's accessorising your dracula garb or a complete outfit you want the store may be able to help.

With prices ranging from 69p to £9.99 there's something for everyone to get spooked about.

Halloween is getting bigger every year," said Sainsbury's spokesperson Louise Worrell, who's having her own party.

We've got a lot more lines coming in, from fresh pumpkins to sticky toffee apple pork ribs.

It's all in the fun, adults and children go out to parties and trick or treating so Sainsbury's has come up with something for everyone.

We've become a one-stop-shop for people getting kitted out for Hallowe'en. You can buy party food along with decorations and your costume at the same time."

The ranges are available in the larger stores, with a selection of goods in the city centre store.

But Hallowe'en is bound to be a nightmare for some.

If your child wants to go out, but you want them to be safe, why not make a family night of it and all dress up.

Or, if you get frustrated by an endless stream of trick or treaters, keep a supply of sweets to hand and you're likely to have a more peaceful night.

HUBBLE bubble toil and trouble - it's the time of year everyone loves to hate.

Schoolchildren hardly had time to settle back into school after the summer break before shops stocking up on their Hallowe'en wares.

Witches hats, vampire capes and devil's horns all made a comeback along with a variety of other consumer goodies.

But, like Christmas, have we lost the true meaning of Hallowe'en?

How many of the children, dressed up like an extra from the Addams Family, know why they knock on the doors of neighbours hoping sweets will be dished out?

The age-old tradition comes from All Hallows Eve, the night before All Hallows Day - All Saint's Day.

The tradition of dressing up as witches, goblins and ghosts dates back to Celtic Ireland in the 5th Century.

It was thought that on October 31 the spirits of all those who had died in the past 12 months would come back and try to possess living bodies.

In order to confuse the spirits they dressed up and paraded noisily around their villages.

Trick or treating dates not to the Americans but to a 9th Century custom called souling.

On November 2nd, All Souls Day, Christians would go to villages begging for soul cakes.

For each cake received the recipient would promise a prayer on behalf of dead relatives.

There is also the belief that this dates to Celtic mythology when October 31 marked the turning of the year when the veil between the two worlds - human and fairy - was at its thinnest.

People would imitate fairies and go from house-to-house begging for treats. Failure to supply anything would result in practical jokes.

Being born on All Souls Day means that I've come to learn the other traditions that encompass Halloween.

Did you know that in Mexico November 2 is as big a money-spinner as October 31 is across the world?

The Day of the Dead is celebrated with families sending candles downstream in remembrance of their loved ones.

Britain might not want to be as morbid but, by the look of the merchandise in the shops, Hallowe'en is a time for the kids to be scared.

Across the city there's an abundance of outfits that children will no doubt have been badgering their parents for.

There are also a host of edible Hallowe'en goodies - perfect if you're planning a spooky soiree.

Sainsbury's at Blackpole, Worcester, has launched a range of bewitching nibbles.

Kids (and adults too) can be haunted by Zipalong the Ghost, retailing at £1.99.

He's a soft toy ghost who comes complete with a selection of tasty jellybeans. Pull his string and watch him speed towards you!

Or why not be spooked by the store's Jellypops. These are four scary hand-decorated character lollies in the style of a ghost, dracula, frankensteinand a pumpkin, all at 59p each.

The store has also come up trumps with ways to keep kids amused before the witching hour.

The bake-a-bat cookie kit costs £1.99 and includes all the necessary ingredients to get mouths watering.

Of course, the store's many different Hallowe'en sweets may be useful for trick or treating.

And no October 31 would be complete without getting dressed up. If you're stuck for an outfit there are plenty to choose from.

Whether it's accessorising your dracula garb or a complete outfit you want the store may be able to help.

With prices ranging from 69p to £9.99 there's something for everyone to get spooked about.

"Halloween is getting bigger every year," said Sainsbury's spokesperson Louise Worrell, who's having her own party.

"We've got a lot more lines coming in, from fresh pumpkins to sticky toffee apple pork ribs.

"It's all in the fun, adults and children go out to parties and trick or treating so Sainsbury's has come up with something for everyone.

"We've become a one-stop-shop for people getting kitted out for Hallowe'en. You can buy party food along with decorations and your costume at the same time."

The ranges are available in the larger stores, with a selection of goods in the city centre store.

But Hallowe'en is bound to be a nightmare for some.

If your child wants to go out, but you want them to be safe, why not make a family night of it and all dress up.

Or, if you get frustrated by an endless stream of trick or treaters, keep a supply of sweets to hand and you're likely to have a more peaceful night.