Halloween traditions

Trick-or-treating

It's the evening of Thursday 31 October. The time is about 5pm. The doorbell rings. You go to answer it, wondering who it might be. And there, standing on your doorstep, is your first visitor of the evening - the Halloween trick-or-treater.

They come in all shapes and sizes - from the cute little girl in her fancy dress witch's costume, accompanied by mum, to the group of cheeky teenagers who, having found a monster mask or two between them, think they'll try their luck. And they're all after one thing of course - a treat in the form of chocolates, sweets, cakes, biscuits or even money.

Bat trick or treat bag: Ideal for collecting your goodies in

You'll hear them ask: 'Trick or treat?' and it's up to you whether you oblige them or take the forfeit. If you're happy to have them call, make sure you have a few wrapped chocolates to hand over, some mini packs of sweets, or a few coins if you haven't managed to get to the shops. Of course, you can always take the easy option and simply not answer the door. But where's the fun in that? The trick may be an idle threat, but who wants to run the risk of a mischievous prank being done on you or your home?

In embracing trick-or-treating, you’ll be following a Halloween tradition that’s practised in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Puerto Rico and Mexico. In Mexico, it’s known as calaverita (Spanish for little skull) and the children ask in Spanish: ‘Can you give me my little skull?’ which is a skull made of sugar or chocolate.

The practice dates back to 1895 where, in Scotland, on Halloween night, children disguised in costumes and carrying lanterns made out of scooped-out turnips, went from door to door asking for cakes, fruit and money. However, it was not until the 1980s that the term ‘trick or treat’ became more common in the UK, although it was first used in the United States in 1934.

So, whether you’re planning to welcome trick or treaters to your door or will be trick-or-treating yourself this year, make sure you take care. Be sensible about who you open the door to. Similarly, visit neighbours who are happy to have callers. You’ll know them from the lit-up pumpkins in their windows and the Halloween hanging decorations that adorn their homes.