Halloween is almost here, and that means it’s time to fill your candy bowls to the brim! Whether you’re planning a party or waiting for spooky visitors to knock on your door, make sure you’ve got enough sweets to share and maybe a few extra for yourself.
Across the world, we all celebrate Halloween a little differently.
In Spain, kids shout “¡Truco o trato!” — a direct translation of “trick or treat” — as they go door to door collecting sweets.
In Sweden, we say “Godis eller bus!” which literally means “Candy or tricks!”
Different words, same idea — a night filled with laughter, costumes, and of course, candy. But have it always been like that?
Where Does "Trick or Treat" Come From?
- Origins: The tradition dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in Ireland and Scotland over 2,000 years ago. People believed that on this night, the spirits of the dead returned, and disguises were worn to scare them away.
- Middle Ages: Around the 9th century, during All Saints’ Day, it became common for the poor or children to go door to door asking for food or “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers for the dead, a practice called souling.
- Modern version in the U.S.: European immigrants brought these customs to America. By the early 20th century, it evolved into “trick or treat” where children dress up and go door to door asking for candy with the playful threat: “Give me a treat, or I’ll play a trick!”.
- Global spread: Thanks to movies, TV, and social media, Halloween and trick-or-treating have become popular worldwide. In countries like Spain, kids now say “¡Truco o Trato!” The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve” It’s the night before All Saints’ Day, a holy day in the Christian tradition. “Hallows” is an old word for “saints.”
