The long history behind trick or treating

As Halloween night approaches, millions of children throw on costumes and march down the streets to decorated porches in search of a sweet treat. This tradition, called “Trick or Treating,” has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Celts and intertwines old practices with modern customs. 

The practice of trick-or-treating has many indefinite roots, the earliest being the pre-Christian Celtic festival called Samhain. The festival was held on the night of October 31^st to mark the beginning of winter. During Samhain, people gathered around bonfires and offered sacrifices to the dead, for they believed it was the night dead spirits returned to Earth. In the Middle Ages, people would participate in mumming. The tradition involved dressing in a costume while going door-to-door and putting on a small performance in exchange for food. Mumming is still celebrated today in some parts of Britain. These were just a few other celebrations that laid the groundwork for modern trick-or-treating. 

In the early 20^th century, trick-or-treating was introduced to America by Irish immigrants who fled from the Irish Potato Famine. These immigrants revived old Halloween traditions, and the custom began to take shape in the United States by the 1920s and 1930s. The phrase “trick or treat” was popularized in the 1950s and cemented the practice into the Halloween tradition for decades. The interjection is a suggestion that if the person who was asked does not provide any candy (treats), they will be the target of some practical joke (a trick). 

As the decades passed, trick-or-treating became a commercialized event, with most candy companies capitalizing on Halloween. Iconic figures such as witches, ghosts, and superheroes have become popular costume choices and Halloween mascots. Trick-or-treating has also passed well beyond the United States with many cultural variations. In Scotland, children dress up and perform songs or jokes for sweets, a tradition called Guising.

From ancient rituals to Halloween fun, trick-or-treating and other traditions reflect society’s relationship with fear, celebration, and community. As people prepare for the season of costumed adventures, the spirit of the age-old tradition continues to thrive, bringing fun and sweetness to the darkness of night. 

Written by Sabrina Alves | Graphic Designed by Sabrina Alves 

Published October 24, 2024 | ePathfinder | Feature