TRICK OR TREAT

The children say Trick or Treat to ask for candies (sweets in British English). The trick is usually a threat to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. This tradition has been practised in North America since 1950’s. The homeowners usually decorate their private entrance with artificial spider webs, plastic skeletons and jack-o-lanterns.

   Scotland and Ireland had two traditions similar to trick or treat called  guising and souling. In Ireland children and poor people sang and said prayers for the dead in return for cakes. In Scotland children disguised in costumes went from door to door asking for food and coins. In Mexico the children ask ¿me da mi calaverita? ("can you give me my little skull? (small skull made of sugar or chocolate).