Trick or treat, smell my feet,
Give me something good to eat.
If you don’t, I don’t care,
I’ll pull down your underwear!
Where does the phrase trick or treat come from?
The phrase “trick or treat” is believed to have originated with the ancient Celtic practice of going door-to-door asking for food or money in exchange for goods or services. This practice is known as mumming or guising, and it dates back to Celtic and British festivals in the Middle Ages.
On these occasions, costumed children and sometimes adults would travel from door to door, offering to perform songs, recitations, or jokes in exchange for treats. Eventually, this practice spread to North America and other parts of the world, where the phrase “trick or treat” became associated with the tradition of going door-to-door begging for treats on Halloween night.
The original phrase “trick or treat” likely originated in the 1930s in the United States, but its exact origin remains unclear.
Who came up with trick or treat smell my feet?
The origin of “trick or treat, smell my feet” is unknown. It is likely that the phrase and concept evolved over time as a form of begging for treats, or “trick or treating,” around Halloween. Trick or treating was originally thought to have begun in Europe, where people went door-to-door begging for food and money during Samhain and All Souls’ Day.
However, by the 20th century, Halloween pranks and begging transformed into the tradition we now know as trick or treating. Numerous old versions of the phrase exist, such as “let’s go a-souling,” “hooley-ann,” and “guising,” which may have all eventually morphed into the phrase “trick or treat, smell my feet. “.
Since these older versions of the phrase are unknown, it is impossible to say who exactly came up with it. It is likely that it was the widespread usage of the phrase, rather than the invention of a single person, that has made it what it is today.
Is trick or treat begging?
No, trick or treating is not considered begging. Trick or treating is an age-old Halloween tradition that allows children (and often adults) to dress up in costumes and go door-to-door to collect candy.
The expectation is that people will give candy away willingly, rather than expecting anything in return. It is a fun activity that promotes neighborly goodwill, as opposed to begging which is considered to be an act of desperation.
Furthermore, trick or treating is closely regulated by age, meaning that begging is not an acceptable activity for children participating in the activity.
What does Halloween stand for?
Halloween is an ancient celebration that dates back to the pre-Christian Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated in Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man. Samhain marked the end of the Celtic year and was a time to honor the dead.
During this festival, people would light bonfires and wear costumes in an attempt to ward off spirits, ghosts, and demonic forces. This festival eventually spread and came to include celebrations from various cultures and traditions.
Halloween is now celebrated not only in Europe, but around the world. It is largely a secular celebration, with most people dressing up in costumes, carving pumpkins, and organizing trick-or-treating activities.
People also decorate their homes with all kinds of spooky decorations. The term “Halloween” likely comes from the phrase “All Hallows’ Eve” which was used to refer to the evening before All Hallows’ Day.
All Hallows’ Day was when early Christians celebrated the Christianized form of Samhain, which involved remembering and honoring the dead. Over time, this celebration evolved into what we now know as Halloween.
Why is October 31st Halloween?
October 31st is traditionally celebrated as Halloween for a variety of reasons. Although the exact origin of the holiday is uncertain, many believe it dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
Held on the last day of the Celtic calendar, Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Celts believed that on the evening of Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, which made it easier for the deceased to pass through to the otherworld.
To honor the dead, the Celts would host a sacrificial feast and build bonfires to communicate with their ancestors. Additionally, they wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves from otherworldly spirits.
Over time, celebrations related to Samhain have evolved and morphed into what we now recognize as Halloween. Many aspects of the holiday remain the same, including costume wearing and bonfires. However, today’s customs focus more on trick-or-treating, storytelling, and other fun activities.
Additionally, the day has become to associate with candy, haunted houses, pumpkins, and creative decorations that adorn our homes and yards.
Overall, October 31st is celebrated as Halloween because it originally marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter season for the ancient Celts. Although our modern customaries look a bit different than Samhain, bits of the holiday still remain.
When did trick or treat originate?
Trick or treating, the popular Halloween tradition we all know and love, likely began centuries ago in areas now known as Ireland and the United Kingdom. In these areas, dating as far back as the 16th century, the practice of ‘guising’ was commonplace.
During guising, children would dress up in costumes and travel from house to house, performing songs, poetry, and stories in exchange for ‘treats’ in the form of money, cakes, and other food and drinks.
By the 17th century, guising had made its way over to the United States and was known as ‘play parties’ or ‘mumming’. This practice gained further popularity throughout the 18th century and was mostly adopted by rural and small towns in the Midwest.
Throughout the 19th century, it was largely considered a ’working class’ celebration as it was associated with the poor and often included begging for food.
It was not until the late 20th century that trick or treating became the tradition that we know today. Costume stores, large parties, and parades began to appear in larger cities, popularizing the holiday and turning it into what it is today.
How does trick or treat work?
Trick or Treating is a Halloween tradition where children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door in their neighborhoods, saying “Trick or Treat,” and receiving treats such as candy, money, and small toys.
Typically, those who participate in Trick or Treating do so during the evening hours of Halloween.
In order to keep everyone safe during Trick or Treating, it is important to follow certain safety measures. For example, it is advised that children wear light colored or reflective materials on their costumes so that drivers can see them better.
Children should also go trick or treating with an adult or a group and visit only homes that have their lights on or have a Halloween decoration in the window or on the door, signaling that the occupants are participating in the tradition.
It is also important that the treats children receive are securely wrapped or packaged and then checked by an adult upon returning home.
Trick or Treating is a beloved Halloween a tradition that has been enjoyed for generations and continues to bring joy to children around the world.
How do you politely turn off trick-or-treaters?
The best way to politely turn away trick-or-treaters is to make sure they understand that you are not participating in Halloween festivities. Let them know that you appreciate them coming by, but you have chosen not to participate this year and thank them for understanding.
If possible, provide an alternative activity such as Halloween crafts, or let them know that they can visit other homes in the neighborhood who are participating. If you are worried about how the children will react, it is always a good idea to have a few seasonal treats or gifts handy to offer in exchange for leaving.
What time does trick-or-treating end?
Trick-or-treating traditionally ends around 8:00 pm. However, this time could vary depending on the specific state or local ordinances. For example, the city of Boston has a curfew of 8:00 pm on Halloween for children younger than 12, and Chicago suggests that trick-or-treaters should be finished by 9:00 pm.
Some neighborhoods might even get together and decide on their own Trick-or-Treating ending time together. It’s important to remember that local ordinances help ensure a safe and fun Halloween for everyone, so it’s a good idea to check those first and abide by those.