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| The history of "Trick'O'Treating" can be traced back to the early celebrations of All Soul's Day in Britain. The poor would go begging and the housewives would give them special treats called "soulcakes". This was called "going a-souling",and the "soulers" would promise tosay a prayer for the dead. Over time the custom changed and the towns children became the beggars. As the went from house to house they would be given apples, buns, and money. During the Pioneer days of the American West, the housewives would give the children candy to keep from being tricked. The children would shout "Trick or Treat! |
| The History of "Trick'O'Treating" |
| Trick or treat, trick or treat Give me something Good to eat!!! |
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| "Trick or Treat" originated in Britain where it was first known as Mischief Night In days gone by, bonfires were lit to scare off the supernatural creatures that struck fear into superstitious hearts. The ancient Celtic fire festival called "Samhain" (pronounced sow-in) is the origin of modern Halloween. This festival was the feast of the dead in Pagan and Christian times, marking the close of harvest and the initiation of the winter season. In days gone by, people feared the coming of Halloween. They believed that the spirits who walked the earth on this day were capable of possessing their bodies. To discourage them, they darkened their houses to make them appear as cold and unwelcome as possible. Donning all manner of frightening dress they rowdily took to the streets in an attempt to scare the spirits off. In Mexico Halloween is known as Los Dias de los Muertos (the day of the dead). However, it isn't a time of sadness but one of great rejoicing. At this time of year the Monarch Butterflies, which have summered up north in the United States and Canada, return to Mexico. They are believed to bear the spirits of the dearly departed and are warmly welcomed home. Black cats are a symbol of Halloween because it was once believed that souls could travel back into the world of the living in the body of an animal - usually a black cat. The name witch comes from the Saxon term wica, meaning wise one. In Ireland, wealthy landlords used to distribute gifts of food to their poorer tenants at Halloween. When the potato crop failed the Irish who moved to America in droves are thought to have introduced Halloween traditions to their new homeland Halloween is believed by some to be the time when the dead and other demonic creatures rise to walk the earth once more. |
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