
And in 1951, Charles Schulz cemented the popularity of the day when he drew three “Peanuts” comic strips featuring his famous characters in costume-a tradition that he continued throughout the years. But in the post-war era, trick-or-treating became synonymous with American childhoods. Unfortunately, it lost steam in the early 20th century: By the Great Depression, outings were marked by vandalism and violence, and rationing made handing out treats difficult during World War II. No matter the exact origin, the custom of trick or treating made its way over to the United States as Europeans immigrated over. They would also place bowls of food outside of their homes to keep the ghosts happy, and convince them not to enter. To avoid being recognized by the spirits, people donned masks and costumes when they left their homes. Others believe that the holiday marks the date that ghosts come back from the dead. Rather than promising to pray, the children would tell a joke or perform a “trick” before collecting a treat. Eventually, children took up the practice, going from door to door to ask for gifts.

As part of the celebration, the poor would visit the homes of the wealthy, and in exchange for a promise to pray for the souls of dead relatives, they would receive pastries called soul cakes.

Some believe that trick-or-treating got its start in the Middle Ages because of All Souls’ Day. for more than a century-even though it didn’t begin here. Trick-or-treating on Halloween has been a tradition in the U.S. A quarter of a millennium ago, a well-dressed person knocking on doors in the Philadelphia area at this time of year was likely looking to collect taxes.īut this weekend, fancily-dressed folks standing on a doorstep are likely just hoping for candy.
