The history of Halloween trick-or-treating has its roots in ancient Celtic Samhain festivals, where food was offered to appease spirits. In medieval times, “souling” in Britain and “guising” in Scotland and Ireland involved exchanging songs or prayers for treats. The tradition evolved in the U.S. by the 20th century, with children seeking candies in costumes.

Ancient Roots: Samhain

The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31st, marking the end of summer and the harvest season. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to return to earth¹. To appease these spirits and ensure a good harvest the following year, the Celts offered them food and drink.

RELATED ARTICLE: Golden Leaves, Dark Tales: Fall’s Best Scary Books

Medieval Traditions: “Souling” and “Guising”

Souling: In medieval Britain, the poor would go “souling” on All Hallows’ Eve. They would visit homes, offering prayers for the deceased relatives of the inhabitants in exchange for “soul cakes”².

Guising: In Scotland and Ireland, young people dressed up in costumes and went door-to-door performing for treats or money, a tradition known as “guising”³.

Bringing Traditions to America

European immigrants brought these traditions to North America. The diverse practices merged, and by the early 20th century, an American version of Halloween began to emerge. Children dressed in costumes started going from door to door asking for food or money⁴.

The Birth of Modern Trick-or-Treating

By the 1930s and 1940s, the tradition morphed into what we recognize today as trick-or-treating. The practice became less about the exchange of songs or prayers for treats and more about children in costumes seeking candies⁵.

The post-World War II era saw a commercialization of Halloween, and trick-or-treating became an essential part of the American cultural fabric.

RELATED ARTICLE: Halloween Decorations: Top Picks for Spooky Homes

Candy Companies Jump In

Seeing the potential of Halloween, candy companies began promoting their products as the ideal treat. This commercial push helped to solidify candies as the primary offering during Halloween⁶.

Conclusion

Trick-or-treating, a beloved Halloween tradition, has ancient roots and has evolved over centuries, blending various cultural practices. Its rich history serves as a testament to the enduring human fascination with the mysterious realm of spirits and the afterlife.

Sources

1. History.com – “History of Halloween.”
2. Rogers, Nicholas. “Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night.”
3. BBC – “Halloween’s origins.”
4. Smithsonian Magazine – “The History of Trick-or-Treating.”
5. Morton, Lisa. “Trick or Treat: A History of Halloween.”
6. The Atlantic – “How Candy and Halloween Became Best Friends.”