Trick-or-treating dates back to medieval Europe — here's the fascinating history behind the Halloween tradition

Kristine Solomon

October 22, 2019 8:22 PM

MediaNews Group/Longmont Times-Call/Getty Images

The first trick-or-treaters were poor children in medieval Europe, who would go door-to-door begging for food and money during the Celtic holiday Samhain — celebrated on October 31. In exchange, they would offer to pray for the souls of their neighbors' recently departed loved ones.

Trick-or-treating has a long and winding history, beginning as a tradition during a Celtic holiday in medieval Europe.
The modern version of the Halloween tradition began to take shape after it was brought to the US in the 19th century.
Read on for the history of trick-or-treating and other Halloween traditions.
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It's that time of year again when neighborhood kids will go door to door dressed as pirates, ghouls, and superheroes in pursuit of sweets from generous neighbors and shopkeepers.

Nowadays, kids won't necessarily perform any tricks for their treats, but this wasn't always the case.

Halloween has a long and storied history that began in Europe around 2,000 years ago. The earliest versions of the holiday were largely about honoring the souls of the recently deceased and fending off ghosts with not-so-friendly intentions.

The holiday took many twists and turns over the years before evolving into the candy- and costume-filled spectacle that more than 160 million Americans take part in today.

Here's a look at the long and fascinating timeline of trick-or-treating.

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