Trick-or-treating
Where did trick-or-treating come from?
Why do we go trick or treating?
Trick-or-treating is a Halloween ritual custom for children and adults in many countries. Children in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase ‘trick or treat’. The ‘treat’ is usually some form of candy, although in some cultures money is used.
While its origins have been lost in time, the tradition probably stemmed from the All Souls’ Day parades, held on November 2, the day after All Saints Day. It was said that poor people would beg for food and those who were better off would give them ‘soul cakes’ on the proviso that they would pray for the giver’s dead relatives.
During this spooky time, homeowners would also leave food offerings at their door to prevent the ghosts from coming inside.
Trick-or-treating today
If you want to hand out lollies to trick or treaters, you can let your neighbourhood know you’re Halloween friendly by tying a balloon to your letterbox, or putting up a trick-or-treating is welcome sign.
Just be wary though – if you do run out of lollies, or try to palm off a granny smith to a child who’s expecting a Mars bar, you might be setting yourself up for a trick!
Tricks can include soaping you car windows, toilet papering your garden or the oldie but goodie, the flaming brown paper bag.