The Celts -- forebears of the Irish, Scots and Welsh -- believed that spirits, who had died the preceding year, would return on the October 31 holiday.

To avoid being possessed, the living would dress up in ghoulish costumes and noisily parade around in hopes of frightening away the spirits.

And the name Hallowe'en stems from a contraction of the Catholic Church's observance of All Hallow's Eve and All Saint's Day which is marked on November 1.

But today, Hallowe'en is strictly the top candy holiday of the year with over $1.76 billion in sales according to the American National Confectioners Association's figures.

And the organisation estimated that Americans alone will gobble-up 20 million pounds of candy corn and that 93 percent of all children will go trick-or-treating this weekend.

Bermuda, however, adopts a lower-key approach to the night where traditionally ghosts and ghouls roam free -- although the celebration is still observed by both children and adults.

While spirits tend to soar on Hallowe'en (thanks in part to an endless supply of candy), it is important that children remember that the streets and parking lots are not playgrounds.

Even infrequently travelled roads can be dangerous for trick-or-treaters, so parents and drivers beware -- there could be a little monster lurking around every corner.

Here are some other safety tips you should keep in mind on Hallowe'en: Always walk on the side of the road where you can see the oncoming traffic; Carefully look all ways before crossing the street; If your child is old enough to trick-or-treat without you, still make sure they go out with at least two other friends; Remind children to never accept rides from someone they don't know and to never go with someone who says their parents are hurt or that they were sent to track them down; Remind your child to run to any place which has lots of people if they feel threatened in any way; Masks can hinder a child's view so make sure the eye holes are large enough, or opt for non-toxic face paint; Buy a costume that is flame-retardant; Make sure that your child's costume fits properly so there's no chance of them tripping; Attach reflective tape to costumes and loot bags; Make sure children carry a flashlight; Check all candy before your child consumes any of it. If it is discoloured, unwrapped or in a box that appears to be opened, do not give it to them; and Do not give small, hard candy to young children -- they may choke on them.

Trick-or-treating is not the only way to have a frightfully good time on Hallowe'en.

Those who do not want their children to go out trick-or-treating, need not fear that they will not have a happy Hallowe'en sine there are plenty of ways to keep your little ghost or goblin entertained during the spookiest night of the year.

If you have friends or family who share the same beliefs as you regarding trick-or-treating, get all the children together and have a little costume party.

The children can still experience all the joy of dressing up in costumes and you do not have to worry about them walking the streets at night.

Face painting is a great way for youngsters to get into the holiday spirit.

You can use regular makeup or purchase special Hallowe'en stuff.

The traditional Hallowe'en game, bobbing for apples is a way to entertain children and you may actually get them to eat a nutritious apple in the process.

A Hallowe'en party would not be complete without a scary ghost story or two.

Have all the children sit in a circle, light some candles, turn out the lights and spin a yarn.

No party is complete with out food, and the wonderful thing about children is that you don't have to prepare a gourmet dinner to please them.

The Hallowe'en theme can be played-up by serving a `Witches' Brew -- beverages with a hint of black or orange food colour. Orange juice and Ribena are also great Hallowe'en beverages.

Although they like to think they can, children can not survive on candy and beverages alone. Here are a few monster munchies that they can nibble on: Grilled cheese sandwiches -- cheddar cheese and pumpernickel bread; Shepherd's Pie -- bake it in a round pan and sprinkle grated cheese on the top. Once it is baked, cut out eyes, nose and mouth -- an edible jack-o-lantern; Stew, with plenty of carrots, served in a iron `witch's' pot; Roast beef with dark gravy, mashed potatoes (with a hint of orange food colouring) and cooked Bermuda pumpkin; and Festively decorated cup cakes and cookies, pumpkin pie and orange sorbet are all perfect deserts for a Hallowe'en party.