Let’s dig into our spooky annual tradition!

According to research by the National Retail Federation in 2023, Americans spend an estimated $3.6 billion on candy on Halloween! Who’s excited about their Halloween candy haul this year? As an exchange student who is new to the U.S., the trick-or-treating tradition is a new experience and I couldn’t be more excited. As exciting as it is to partake in this tradition, have you ever wondered how trick-or-treating evolved into a Halloween tradition? 

Every October 31st, children go door-to-door, and homeowners are greeted by a group of kids dressed in their favorite costumes, eagerly asking, “Trick-or-treat?” The homeowners are expected to hand out several treats, most of the time you would get candies or chocolates. 

According to History.com, by the ninth century, Christianity had extended its influence into Celtic lands. In 1000 A.D., the church designated November 2nd as All Souls’ Day, a time for honoring the dead. On the 31st of October, less fortunate individuals would visit the homes of wealthier families and receive pastries known as soul cakes. In return, these children would offer prayers for the souls of the homeowner’s deceased relatives. Over time, this custom evolved, and children began going from door to door, seeking gifts like food, money, and ale. This age-old tradition came to be known as “souling.”

This tradition made its way from Europe to the United States. In the U.S., trick-or-treating gained widespread popularity after World War II when rationing ended, and sugar became more readily available. Candy manufacturers saw this as an opportunity to seize upon the youth-centric holiday and took it. Halloween candy campaigns emerged in full force, parents saw a cost-effective treat that was easy to distribute. As a result, the tradition persisted and has continued to be celebrated ever since.

Fun fact: According to History.com, “Although it is unknown precisely where and when the phrase ‘trick or treat’ was coined, the custom had been firmly established in American popular culture by 1951, when trick-or-treating was depicted in the Peanuts comic strip. In 1952, Disney produced a cartoon called ‘Trick or Treat’ featuring Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie.”

Today, Halloween has evolved into a highly consumer-driven holiday. People eagerly seek out costumes featuring their favorite scary TV characters (several popular costumes are witch, pirates, ghosts), go all out decorating their homes to create a spooky atmosphere, and stock up on bags of chocolates and candies. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate it, I hope we all have an exciting and spooky halloween!