Stuff You Should Know – Selects: Where Did Trick-Or-Treating Come From?

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts delve into the surprising history of trick-or-treating and explore its origins in Celtic harvest festivals. They discuss the evolution of Halloween traditions, the power struggles between kids and adults, and the impact of pop culture on the holiday’s popularity. Join them as they uncover the fascinating history behind this beloved Halloween tradition.

Main Takeaways

Origins and Evolution of Trick-or-Treating

• Trick-or-treating originated in America in the 20th century as a way to avoid pranks or tricks.
• It was influenced by Celtic harvest festivals, such as Samhain, where people dressed up to confuse supernatural creatures.
• The tradition of going from house to house and getting treats can be traced back to the European tradition of souling.
• Trick-or-treating used to be more balanced between tricks and treats but has now become mostly about getting treats.
• The term “trick or treat” was first found in an article about a town called Blacki in Alberta, Canada in 1927.

The Power Struggles and Controversies of Trick-or-Treating

• Trick-or-treating has been a power struggle between kids and adults, as well as between adults with different parenting styles.
• Some people believe that children should earn their candy rather than just receiving handouts.
• There is a debate over whether it’s better to let kids trick-or-treat on their own or to manage them more closely, depending on the location.
• Parents can ruin kids’ experiences by being too involved in trick-or-treating or other activities.
• Urban legends about Halloween dangers, such as poisoned candy, are often exaggerated.

The Influence of Pop Culture and Commercialization

• Pop culture, including Peanuts and Donald Duck cartoons, played a significant role in Halloween’s popularity.
• Candy companies and costume companies also contributed to the commercialization and popularity of Halloween.
• Making costumes used to be harder, but now it’s easier to buy them.
• UNICEF’s campaign in the 1950s helped legitimize trick-or-treating and promote charitable giving.
• Blue pumpkins are used to indicate special needs for trick-or-treaters, and some companies support special needs kids during Halloween.

Summary

Origins and Evolution of Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating originated in America as a way to avoid pranks or tricks on Halloween. Its roots can be traced back to Celtic harvest festivals like Samhain, where people dressed up as demons or fairies to confuse supernatural creatures. The tradition of going from house to house and getting treats evolved from the European tradition of souling, where children would pray for the souls of the departed and receive soul cakes in exchange. Over time, trick-or-treating became more focused on getting treats rather than playing tricks. The term “trick or treat” was first documented in an article about a town in Canada in 1927.

The Power Struggles and Controversies of Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating has been a source of power struggles between kids and adults, as well as between adults with different parenting styles. Some people believe that children should earn their candy rather than just receiving handouts. There is a debate over whether kids should be allowed to trick-or-treat on their own or be closely supervised, depending on the location. Overblown urban legends about Halloween dangers, such as poisoned candy, have added to anxieties around the holiday.

The Influence of Pop Culture and Commercialization

Pop culture, including cartoons like Peanuts and Donald Duck, played a significant role in popularizing Halloween. Candy companies and costume companies also contributed to the commercialization of the holiday. Making costumes used to be more challenging, but now it’s easier to buy them. UNICEF’s campaign in the 1950s helped legitimize trick-or-treating and promote charitable giving. Blue pumpkins are used to indicate special needs for trick-or-treaters, and some companies are supporting special needs kids during Halloween.

Conclusion

Trick-or-treating has a rich and surprising history that traces back to ancient Celtic traditions and has evolved into a beloved Halloween tradition. Despite power struggles and controversies, it remains a cherished activity for children and adults alike. The influence of pop culture and commercialization has further cemented its place in modern celebrations. While urban legends and anxieties may exist, trick-or-treating continues to be a low-risk activity that allows children to experience independence and confront their fears. So, grab your costumes and enjoy the delights of trick-or-treating this Halloween!