Halloween. The word is synonomous with images of costumes and candy. During the weeks leading up to October 31, we wonder, "what should I be this year"? Should I dress up like a scarecrow? A pumpkin? A pirate? We disguise our children as princesses, superheros, monsters, animals. We go from house to house, saying "Trick or Treat", knowing that we will most likely receive candy to last until Christmas.

But wait. . . .why do we do this anyway? Where did this idea come from?

 

 

The tradition of "guising" was first recorded in the mid 1890s in Scotland and Ireland, where children would disguise themselves and go door to door receiving food and money.  Originally, children only received the treat after performing a song, poem, joke, or another small act that had been prepared ahead of time.  Many carried lanterns made of hollowed and carved turnips to light the way.  Early practices in the Catholic church were similar,  where "soul cakes" were baked and eaten after praying and singing for souls in Purgatory.

Our modern day tradition trick-or-treating may come from these traditions of guising and souling.  Though traditions and customs have changed over the cultures and decades, one thing is certain- our Halloween celebrations are here to stay.