HALLOWEEN

Enjoy this Internet scavanger hunt about Halloween!

What country did jack-o-lanterns come from? A) Mexico B) USA C) Northern France Find out at http://www.holidays.net/halloween/pumpkin.htm, and you'll learn that the jack-o-lantern originated in Great Britain and Northern France. The people that lived there would carry these lanterns on the eve of October 31 to keep the evil spirits away.
Are vampire bats real? If they are, do they really drink human blood? Visit http://www.conservationcentre.org/scase7.html (note: this link is updated from the PDF handout; see below), and you will learn much about these smart little mammals. Vampire bats live in Central America, and they feed on blood from cows, pigs, horses and birds. No, they do not feed on humans. Their special anti coagulant saliva helps in healing the bite they inflict on their victims.
What does "guising" mean? At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/trick-or-treating, you'll learn the history behind Trick-Or-Treating, or "guising".
According to the National Confectioners Assocation (the people who make candy), what percentage of American children will go Trick-Or-Treating this year (2006)? A) 50% B) 87% C) 93% Visit http://www.candyusa.org/Classroom/Facts/default.asp?Fact=Halloween. This year, it is estmated that 93% of children will go Trick-Or-Treating. Bite-sized chocolate candies are the most popular type of candy to be included in Halloween activities (76%). Fruit and salty snacks -- such as pretzels -- are the least favorite.

What is the most important item to take with you when you Trick-Or-Treat? A) a flashlight B) a cell phone C) a walkie-talkie D) your silly dog Find out at http://www.halloweenmagazine.com/game2001/a1af20.htm. All of these things are important, but Halloween Magazine lists the flashlight as first on their list.

Which type of pumpkin is best for carving? A) one with a flat bottom that sits up easily B) one that does not have any dark mold spots C) one that is lighter-colored and softer D) all of the above A http://www.pumpkinmasters.com/carving_tips.asp, you'll learn that all of these things are important when choosing a pumpkin to carve. You'll also learn that you can preserve your pumpkin by putting petroleum jelly on the cuts, and spraying it with a light mist of bleach water slow mold growth.

Visit these other Halloween-related links for additional fun: An open-ended game where you drag parts of a face onto a pumpkin (some ads): http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/halloween/carving/carve.htm Another pumpkin carving game, where you can freely carve: http://www.theoworlds.com/halloween Looking for some holiday craft ideas? Visit: http://www.holidays.net/halloween/crafts.htm

Can you guess the ending to this spooky story? Long ago, a young man met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman. She was always dressed exquisitely, and she always wore a black ribbon around her neck. Soon the man and the woman were married and moved into a little cottage by the sea. They started out very happily, but soon the young man became more and more curious as to why his wife wore a ribbon around her neck all the time. One day he decided to ask her. The only answer he received was that he would be sorry if she took it off, so she would not take it off. The young man was not happy with his wife's answer. Time passed and eventually all he could think about was that black ribbon. One day, he awoke before his wife, went into her sewing box and got a pair of scissors, and cut off the ribbon that was around her neck. What happened next? WARNING: DON'T CLICK ON THIS LINK (unless you are prepared to be scared)! http://www.bry-backmanor.org/holidayfun/weenghoststory.html

Hey Teachers! This column is available as an 8 1/2 x 11-inch handout, in PDF form.