If your door is being visited by ghosts, goblins, witches, astronauts, cartoon characters, and a wide variety of oddly dressed creatures asking for candy, then it’s probably Halloween.
Before you give out the sweets, most of these visitors will probably shout “trick or treat!” But what is the reason behind it?
In the United States and Canada, trick-or-treating has been a popular Halloween activity since the late 1950s. Children of all ages dress up in costumes and go from house to house to receive treats when they call out “trick or treat!”
The phrase is a subtle way of suggesting that if a treat, like candy, is given, then the child will not play a “trick” or cause mischief on the house owner. This Halloween custom has its roots in the ancient practices of “souling” and “guising.”
In the Middle Ages, poor people in Ireland and Britain would go “souling” on Hallowmas (November 1). “Souling” involved going door to door and asking for food in exchange for saying prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2).
“Guising,” which is the act of wearing costumes, masks, or other disguises, started in Scotland in the late 19th century. Scottish children believed that by dressing like evil spirits, they could prevent them from causing harm. They would carry lanterns made from hollow turnips and ask for treats like cakes, fruit, and money at different homes.
Immigrants brought these local customs to North America in the early 20th century. The phrase “trick or treat” first appeared in print in 1927 in Canada. The exact origin and reason for this particular phrase are still unknown.
The tradition of trick-or-treating started in the western United States and Canada and gradually spread to the east. However, it was put on hold during World War II due to sugar rationing.
From the 1950s onwards, the tradition gained momentum and has since become the central focus of Halloween. Today, Halloween trick-or-treating is a significant industry.
The National Confectioners Association estimates that over 75 percent of U.S. adults give out candy to trick-or-treaters every year. They also believe that 64 percent of Americans will go trick-or-treating or participate in some Halloween activities in 2015.
As recently as 2015, Halloween candy, costumes, and related products generated nearly $7 billion in revenue.
Give It a Try
Are you ready for a delicious treat? Engage in the following activities with the assistance of a friend or family member:
- Are you someone who plans their trick-or-treat route in advance? By carefully considering and planning, you can ensure that you visit all the best places for candy during your door-to-door candy run. Take a look at this enjoyable Trick or Treat Route-Planning Activity to enhance your problem-solving, planning, and critical thinking skills!
- If you want to reduce your sugar consumption and help other children around the world, participate in UNICEF’s annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program. This program has been inspiring children for over 60 years to assist their less fortunate peers worldwide by collecting spare change for needy children everywhere. Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of children worldwide? If so, explore the various ways in which you can get involved in the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF program.
- What types of candy do you distribute during Halloween? Ask an adult friend or family member to take you on a field trip to a local store and explore their selection of Halloween candy. How many different varieties of candy can you find? Which ones are your favorites? Which ones do you not like? Compare the prices of different candy types. Which candies tend to be the most expensive? Why do you think that is?
Additional Sources of Interest
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trick-or-treating
- http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/trick-or-treat.html
- http://hotword.dictionary.com/halloween-een/
- http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/index/2007/10/
- http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/living/halloween-by-the-numbers/
- http://www.candyusa.com/life-candy/halloweencentral/trick-or-treat-tidbits/
FAQ
1. Why do we say “Trick or Treat” on Halloween?
The phrase “Trick or Treat” is commonly used during Halloween when children go door-to-door in costumes, asking for candy. The tradition dates back to ancient Celtic times when people believed that spirits roamed the earth on Halloween night. To appease these spirits, villagers would leave out food and treats. Over time, this custom evolved into children dressing up as spirits or monsters and going from house to house, asking for treats. The phrase “Trick or Treat” is a playful way of suggesting that if treats are not given, a trick may be played on the homeowner.
2. Is “Trick or Treat” only said in English-speaking countries?
No, the phrase “Trick or Treat” is commonly used in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. However, variations of this tradition can be found in other countries as well. In some parts of Ireland and Scotland, children say “Help the Halloween Party” and receive fruit, nuts, or coins. In Mexico, children say “Queremos Halloween” and receive candy or small toys. Although the exact phrase may differ, the concept of going door-to-door for treats is present in many cultures around the world.
3. What happens if you don’t give a treat on Halloween?
If you choose not to give out treats on Halloween, it is possible that children who come to your door may play a harmless trick instead. This could range from silly pranks like toilet papering your yard to more mischievous acts. However, it is important to note that the tradition of “Trick or Treat” is meant to be fun and lighthearted, and most children understand that not every house will participate. If you do not wish to give out treats, it is best to turn off your porch light or display a sign indicating that you are not participating.
4. Can adults say “Trick or Treat” too?
While the phrase “Trick or Treat” is most commonly associated with children going door-to-door on Halloween, there is no rule that adults cannot participate as well. In fact, many adults also dress up in costumes and join in the festivities. Some neighborhoods even organize events where adults can go from house to house, collecting treats or participating in themed activities. Halloween is a holiday that welcomes people of all ages to embrace their playful and creative side, so adults are more than welcome to join in on the fun.
5. Are tricks still played during Halloween?
Although the focus of Halloween has shifted more towards treats and costumes, some playful tricks are still occasionally played. However, it’s important to remember that the tricks should be harmless and in good fun. For example, friends may surprise each other with small pranks or scare tactics. It is not encouraged to engage in malicious or harmful behavior. Halloween is ultimately a holiday that celebrates imagination, creativity, and community, so it is best to keep any tricks light-hearted and enjoyable for everyone involved.
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