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Trick-or-treating might just be the most exciting part of Halloween—whether you're a child collecting a mountain of candy to enjoy and trade or an adult admiring the Halloween costume creativity (and handing out a treat or two, of course). But how did the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating begin? And why do we say, "Trick or treat!"? Find the answers to all your trick-or-treating questions here.
Tanja Ivanova/Getty ImagesThe History Behind Trick-or-Treating
The origins of the trick-or-treating tradition can be traced back to the ancient Celts of the United Kingdom, who celebrated Samhain. During this festival, people would dress up in costumes and light large bonfires, hoping to ward off gods that might try to trick them.
Over time, this pagan celebration merged with the Christian All Soul's Day, giving birth to new customs like guising, mumming, and souling. These traditions still involved disguises and the act of visiting neighbors to seek either treats or entertainment. For example, souling saw noblemen offering 'soul cakes' to peasants in return for prayers for their deceased relatives.
As Irish, Scottish, and English immigrants brought these practices to America, the custom of trick-or-treating didn’t truly become widespread until the 1950s. The rise of this tradition was influenced by Charles Schulz’s iconic Peanuts comic strip and the Halloween special, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, even though poor Charlie Brown often ended up with rocks instead of candy.
Why Do We Say, "Trick or Treat!"?
The catchy phrase 'trick or treat' can be credited to early 20th-century Canadians. The first known use of this expression appeared in Canadian newspapers in the 1920s, as documented by Merriam-Webster.
There are two main theories about the origin of the phrase 'trick or treat.' One suggests that the 'trick' refers to the act of dressing up to earn a treat, while another theory views it as a form of extortion: either give a treat, or prepare for a prank or trick.
Why Do We Give Out Candy on Halloween?
There isn't a definitive explanation for why we give out candy on Halloween, but the Library of Congress offers three possible theories. The first is linked to the Celtic holiday of Samhain, which falls on the same day as Halloween. During Samhain, people believed the barrier between the spirit world and the living was thinner, so they left out treats to appease wandering spirits, a practice that later evolved into the tradition of dressing like them.
The second theory comes from Scotland, where a custom known as 'guising' is believed to have originated, either in the Middle Ages or the 19th century. Children would disguise themselves as evil spirits, blending in with the wandering souls and performing tricks or songs in exchange for treats.
The third theory stems from the German-American tradition of 'belsnickeling.' On Halloween, children would dress up and visit neighborhood homes, where the residents would try to guess the child's disguised identity.
What day is designated for trick-or-treating? Halloween, which falls on October 31st, is the primary day for kids to gather their candy. However, in some places like Des Moines, Iowa, trick-or-treating takes place the evening before, on Beggars' Night, October 30th.
Typically, Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, but there are regions where trick-or-treating is held the day before. This is known as Beggars' Night, a tradition in cities like Des Moines, Iowa, and other specific areas of the country.
There's been talk about moving Halloween to the Saturday closest to October 31st to make it more convenient for parties and celebrations. But for now, the official trick-or-treating day remains October 31st for most places across the country.
Beggars' Night, also referred to as Mischief Night, falls on October 30th in some regions. This is a night for pranks and mischievous activities, where kids play tricks such as toilet-papering trees or ringing doorbells and running away, especially in areas like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
On October 30th, known as Beggars' Night or Mischief Night in certain areas, it's tradition to engage in light-hearted mischief. In parts of the Mid-Atlantic, especially in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas, this night is dedicated to harmless pranks, like moving furniture or throwing food at unsuspecting victims.
What time does trick-or-treating officially start and end?
In many places, trick-or-treating begins as soon as school finishes and usually lasts until 9 p.m. Most younger trick-or-treaters tend to be out around sunset, which is typically around 6 p.m.
Check with local news or social media for the exact times when trick-or-treating takes place in your area. If you're handing out candy or treats, remember to turn on your outdoor lights—many kids know that a dark house means no candy or that the treats have already been handed out.
Don’t be alarmed if you see teenagers in costumes knocking on your door. While some believe trick-or-treating should end once kids become teenagers, in certain regions, teens still enjoy dressing up and collecting candy throughout their high school years. After all, who doesn’t want a little Halloween fun?
P.S. You might want to switch off your lights early to indulge in some of that Halloween candy yourself, maybe paired with the ideal wine to complement the sweets.
Alternative Ideas for Trick-or-Treating Goodies
While candy is the go-to treat for Halloween, if you're aiming for something different, here are a few suggestions. Keep in mind that many parents may not allow their children to accept items that aren't pre-packaged, so fresh fruit or homemade treats may not be a hit.
- Honey sticks
- Art or craft supplies
- Granola bars
- Pens, pencils, erasers
- Juice boxes
- Rolled coins—decorated with festive stickers or designs
- Trail mix or pretzel bags
- Temporary tattoos
- Popcorn balls
- Glow sticks
- Fun rubber stamps
- Fruit rolls
- Halloween-themed bouncy balls
- Playdough
- Snap bracelets
- Pokemon (or other) cards
- Mini coloring books
- Spider rings
- Vampire teeth
- Finger puppets
- Mini Slinkies
- Bookmarks
- Mini plush toys
This list is just to spark your creativity, but feel free to think outside the box! While kids love their candy, they also enjoy receiving small toys and novelty items.
