As October paints the streets in hues of orange and gold, one magical phrase echoes across neighbourhoods, “Trick or treat!” It’s the joyful chant that marks the arrival of Halloween night, when children dress up as witches, superheroes, and ghosts, knocking on doors with hopeful smiles and candy bags in hand. But where did this adorable (and slightly spooky) tradition really come from? Let’s unwrap the sweet story behind trick or treat! The origins of trick or treat go way back, more than a thousand years, to ancient Celtic traditions. Long before the bright lights and candy-filled bowls, people celebrated Samhain, a festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that during Samhain, the spirits of the dead returned to visit the living. To keep them happy (and away from mischief), villagers would leave out food and treats. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
As centuries passed, Samhain merged with All Hallows’ Eve (the night before All Saints’ Day), what we now call Halloween. By the Middle Ages, people in Britain and Ireland had started a custom called “souling.” Children and the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for small cakes called soul cakes. Later, in Scotland and Ireland, this evolved into “guising”, where young people dressed in costumes and performed tricks, songs, jokes, or little acts, in return for fruit, nuts, or coins. That’s the “trick” part of trick or treat taking shape!
When Irish and Scottish immigrants moved to North America in the 19th century, they brought their Halloween customs along. At first, Halloween celebrations were small community gatherings with games and storytelling. But by the early 20th century, American children had fully embraced the idea of dressing up and asking neighbours for treats. The exact phrase “trick or treat” first appeared in print in the 1920s in Canada and then spread rapidly across the United States. During the post-war boom of the 1950s, candy companies saw the opportunity, and Halloween quickly became one of the sweetest holidays of the year. By then, going door-to-door in costume for candy was a nationwide ritual that brought families and communities together in the most delightful way.
Today, trick or treating is more than just candy collection, it’s a festival of imagination. Children become whoever they want to be for one special night: a fairy, a dinosaur, a superhero, or even a spooky skeleton. For many, choosing a costume is just as exciting as the candy hunt itself! And speaking of candy, Halloween has become a sugar-coated dream come true. Americans alone spend billions of dollars every year on Halloween sweets. From classic chocolate bars to candy corn and gummy worms, every household seems to have its own “signature” treat to give away. Some even hand out small toys or glow sticks to stand out from the candy crowd. In recent years, trick or treating has evolved to fit modern lifestyles. Community centres, malls, and schools host “trunk or treat” events, where families decorate their car trunks and hand out candy from parking lots. It’s a safer, more organized way to enjoy the fun, especially for younger children. Neighbourhoods often hold Halloween parades, costume contests, and spooky movie nights too.
Even pets are joining in the fun, with adorable dog and cat costumes taking over social media every Halloween. (Because who can resist a puppy dressed as a pumpkin?) Beyond the candy and costumes, trick or treat captures something deeper, the spirit of community and kindness. Neighbours open their doors to share a moment of joy.
Children learn the fun of giving and receiving. And for one evening, everyone, young or old, gets to be part of something playfully magical. It’s not just about tricks or treats; it’s about togetherness, laughter, and the thrill of stepping into a make-believe world under the moonlight. So, when the doorbell rings this Halloween and a group of smiling kids shout, “Trick or treat!”, remember, it’s not just a request for candy. It’s a time-honoured echo of ancient traditions, a celebration of imagination, and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments, like sharing a sweet, can make the biggest memories.
Happy Halloween!
