Candy History, Halloween Candy

Want To Learn Why We Give Out Halloween Candy?

September 16, 2015 by

Halloween_CandyColorful and imaginative costumes, ringing doorbells and little hands grabbing handfuls of candy out of a brimming candy dish – we think it’s safe to say that there’s no holiday quite like Halloween. But where did our traditions originate? After all, you have to admit that dressing up as your favorite character and asking virtual strangers for Halloween Candy is a bit strange.

Though many believe that trick-or-treating is just another one of those traditions cooked up by candy companies in order to generate revenue, the truth is that these traditions are rooted in history. The exact forerunners of today’s trick-or-treating habits – where children dress up, knock on neighbors’ doors and collect bucketfuls of candy – may be a bit hazy but here are a few contenders for potential influencers. Which do you think is the real inspiration for Halloween celebrations?

“Souling”
During the ninth century in England, November 2nd was designated “All Souls Day”, which was a time for honoring relatives and ancestors who had passed on. To celebrate, townsfolk would participate in bonfires and masquerades. In addition to festive parties, poor people would visit the houses of richer families and beg for “soul cakes” in exchange for promises to pray for the souls of the homeowners’ deceased relatives. The tradition was later taken up by children who would go door-to-door asking for gifts like food or money.

“Guising”
Also during the ninth century in Scotland and Ireland, young people took part in a tradition called “guising” wherein they dressed up in costumes and accepted offerings from various households. In exchange for the gifts they received, these youngsters would sing a song, recite a poem, tell a joke or perform another form of “trick”. Could this possibly be where the phrase “Trick-or-treat” came from?

Trick-Or-Treating
In the early 20th century, many immigrants to the United States had begun to revive the traditions of “Souling” and “Guising”. However, by the 1920’s many of these traditions had devolved into pranks and vandalism rather than harmless door-to-door visits and begging. When the Great Depression struck, the issues surrounding Halloween pranking and damage became much worse. Some sources theorize that it was this costly vandalism issue that led to the organization of community-based trick-or-treating events to deter these activities.

Regardless of where these traditions came from, one thing is certain – Halloween is still the best night of the year to show off frightening costumes and gather gobs of delicious candy! But before you can indulge on the busiest candy-eating night of the year, you need to stock up! Visit candyfavorites.com and peruse our selection of tasty, sweet, cute and spooky Halloween Candy. We’re sure you’ll find just the treats you’ve been looking for!

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