trick-or-treating
Sign in to savethumb|upright=1.3|A child dressed as a Skeleton (undead)|skeleton trick-or-treating in [[Redford, Michigan, US, on October 31, 1979]]
Article
23 sectionsContents
- History
- Ancient precursors
- Medieval Christian era
- Souling
- Mumming
- Samhain
- Guising
- Spread to North America
- The interjection "Trick or treat!"
- Increased popularity
- Phrase introduction to the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Etiquette
- Local variants
- United States and Canada
- Trunk-or-treat
- Portugal and Iberian Peninsula
- Scandinavia
- Europe
- Trick-or-treat for charity
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|upright=1.3|A child dressed as a Skeleton (undead)|skeleton trick-or-treating in [[Redford, Michigan, US, on October 31, 1979]]
Trick-or-treating is a traditional Halloween custom for children and adults in some countries. During the evening of Halloween, on October 31, people in costumes travel from house to house, asking for treats with the phrase "trick or treat". The "treat" is some form of confectionery, usually candy/sweets, although in some cultures money is given instead. The "trick" refers to a threat, usually idle, to perform mischief on the resident(s) or their property if no treat is given. Some people signal that they are willing to hand out treats by putting up Halloween decorations outside their doors; houses may also leave their porch lights on as a universal indicator that they have candy; some simply leave treats available on their porches for the children to take freely, on the honour system.