Trick or Treat

Nowadays Trick or Treat has become a massive tradition in America. Every Halloween hoardes of children dress up in spooky costumes and roam the streets. The cry of "trick or treat" means "give us candy or we'll do something naughty" - in fact the threat is rarely if ever carried out. Trick or Treating is far less common in other countries, in particular England where it remains unusual.

The Origin of Trick or Treat

How did this custom of cute extortion for a trick or treat bag begin? It probably all goes back to the Celts (Halloween trick or treating remains far more popular in Scotland than in England).

Halloween (sometimes called Holloween) orginated from the Celtic festival of Samhain. On this night it was believed that the veil between the worlds was thin and spirits walked the earth. Therefore people would leave little gifts of food and drink out to placate the mischievous spirits.

This custom later evolved into a Christian tradition whereby on All Saints Day (the day after Halloween) the poor would beg food (soul cakes) in return for praying for the souls of their departed relatives. As is often the case this appears to have been a deliberate attempt by the Christian Church to absorb a local pagan custom and claim it as their own.

Trick or Treating provides a great opportunity for children to dress up in costume and have fun. However there are obvious dangers in allowing children to wander the streets knocking on the doors of strangers, especially at night. BE SAFE. Your children are your responsibility.

Site Information