Halloween Stories - Trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treating

Trick-or-treating is probably the most common activity at Halloween. Children dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes and go door to door looking for goodies to take home. This is usually candy or some type of fruit. Occasionally a generous home owner will give out small amounts of money (actual cash.)

The custom originated in Britain, Ireland and Scotland as this quote from Wikipedia shows:

“The tradition of going from door to door receiving food already existed in Britain and Ireland, in the form of souling, where children and poor people would sing and say prayers for the dead in return for cakes. Guising — children disguised in costumes going from door to door for food and coins — also predates trick or treat, and was traditional at Halloween in late 19th century Scotland and Ireland. While going from door to door has remained popular among Scots and Irish, the North American custom of saying "trick or treat" has recently become common.”

Today the atmosphere is a little more upbeat with ghosts, goblins, witches, comic characters, popular personalities, superheroes, and many other costumes in use.

In many neighborhoods there are block parties, dances, apple bobbing contests other activities. This is great for developing a real sense of community – that’s a good thing.

Check below for the latest in Halloween costumes.