Halloween is undoubtedly one of my favorite times of the year. As a kid I used to really enjoy deciding what costume to adorn during trick-or-treating. Although it is strange to think that we all still trust each other enough to allow our kids to go take candy from random strangers’ doorsteps, trick-or treating is a great American tradition. A tradition that, according to experts from History.com, traces its roots to a Celtic holiday that was being celebrated almost 2,000 years ago.
Samhain was a Celtic holiday that took place on the night of the 31st of October, just as Halloween is celebrated today. The Celts believed that the dead would return on this sacred day and would light bonfires, offer sacrifices, and pay homage to the dead. Some villagers during this time might have even dressed in disguises made of animal skins to drive away evil spirits and large banquets were often left out to please those spirits as well. As centuries went by, people began to dress as ghosts, demons, and other mythical creatures in exchange for food and drink. Which I would personally consider as the first real example of trick-or treating.
According to an article from History.com, Irish and Scottish communities began to normalize this celebration win the United States during the early 20th century, but trick-or-treating essentially turned into an excuse for vandalism for young teens. It is theorized that this behavior led to a standardization of what Halloween and trick-or-treating itself entailed. During the 1930’s, it shifted to become a more community-based and wholesome tradition. This shift was unfortunately doomed from the start as WW2 began and sugar rationing meant that there were far less treats to be given to those participating in this newly streamlined holiday. However, Halloween recovered and began its long stint as a favorite holiday for many people.
It seems as though trick-or-treating and Halloween may have their own spooky origins that not many of us are aware of. It is interesting to see just how strange the real meanings behind some of the most iconic American holidays are. Luckily for you, now you can tell your family and friends all about the Celtic spirits that you’re keeping at bay by dressing up as a Jedi and taking candy from your neighbors!
