Trick-or-treating as a defined activity began taking shape in North America in the early 20th century, with its familiar phrase and candy-focused practice becoming widespread in the 1920s and 1930s. The roots, however, extend much further back to older European customs and Celtic autumn traditions. What to know about its origins and timeline
- Ancient and medieval precursors
- Some pre-Christian practices linked to All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween) involved costumed gatherings and gift-giving to appease spirits, demons, or the dead. These customs varied by region and often featured food or performances in exchange for protection or blessings. The general idea of “guizing” or going door-to-door in costume has echoes in several ancient and medieval rituals. [web results synthesize from multiple sources on Celtic Samhain, guising practices, and medieval souling]
- Souling and early 19th century European practices
- In parts of Europe, especially Ireland and Britain, “souling” involved going from door to door to receive food or money in return for prayers for the dead. This laid a social and ritual groundwork for later door-to-door hospitality during the All Hallows’ season. [web results synthesize mentions of souling and similar customs]
- Emergence of “trick or treat” in North America
- The modern phrasing “trick or treat” appears in North American contexts in the early 20th century, with the earliest documented uses surfacing in Alberta, Canada, in the 1920s. From there, the custom spread through the United States and became associated with candy and neighborhood door-to-door visits. [web results indicate earliest uses in the 1920s and cultural diffusion via Irish immigrant communities]
- The candy era and mass popularity
- By the mid-20th century, candy began to dominate as the preferred treat, replacing nuts, fruit, or small gifts. The combination of costumes, organized neighborhoods, and the candy-driven incentive helped cement trick-or-treating as a central Halloween practice in many countries, especially the United States and Canada. [web results reflect the transition to candy and the 1920s–1930s growth]
How to interpret the timeline
- The practice did not appear fully formed at a single moment. It evolved from ancient and medieval customs (costuming, prayers, and offerings) into regional Halloween behaviors (guizing and souling), and eventually into the modern, candy-focused grand tradition of trick-or-treating in North America during the early 20th century. [web results summarize the progression from ancient to modern forms]
If you’d like, I can pull specific sources or timelines from reputable references to provide a concise bibliography or a tidy timeline with exact dates and quotations.
