Trivia

Did You Know

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

How did the tradition of trick or treating get started?

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Trick-or-treating originated from ancient Celtic traditions like the festival of Samhain, where people wore costumes to ward off evil spirits. Over time, it evolved through medieval European practices like souling (going door-to-door offering to pray for the dead in exchange for “soul cakes”) and guising (a Scottish and Irish tradition where young people wore costumes and performed songs, poems, etc., in exchange for food, money, or other treats). In the 18th Century, a German-American custom was begun where costumed characters called “Belsnicklers” would visit homes, sometimes frightening children before demanding treats or performing tricks. The modern practice, rooted in immigrant customs in America, became widespread in the mid-20th century, eventually leading to the phrase “trick or treat” , with candy being offered as a way to prevent mischief. 

Did you buy candy yet for the trick or treaters who come knocking on your door? Which candy is your personal favorite? I’m crazy for Malted Milk Balls and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!  

You read it here first, kids. 😎

Happy Halloween week!

NAR©2025

This is Trick Or Treat” by Chuck Berry

All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.

39 thoughts on “Did You Know”

  1. Interesting! I haven’t bought candy in years because my condo has had the trick or treaters parade through the parking lots rather than go door to door. This year they will resume door to door so I bought a big bag of fun-sized Hershey’s at Costco. I love the peanut butter cups but somehow the holiday ones never taste as good. I’ve discovered a new brand calle “unreal” and have been enjoying their “mounds-like” coconut bars. Happy Halloween.

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    1. Same here. Our little street has a block party with a costume parade and tables of goodies. The kiddos (and parents) love it and it’s convenient for all the neighbors. I’m into Mr. Goodbar this Halloween but PBCs will always be a favorite in this house! 🎃

      Thanks for stopping by! I think your name is Michele but I’m not sure. 😶‍🌫️

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  3. My husband’s favourites were the Maltezers!

    Me? I do love an Oh Henry!

    But I turn off my light and pretend I’m not home. For too many years I ended up with a huge bowl of candy that frankly, my arse does not need!

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    1. We are a select group of people, us Malted lovers. Never try to slip us a Milk Dud instead; there will be hell to pay! Oh Henry is damn good and I hear ya about your ass coz the same thing happens to mine! Watch out! Wide load ahead! 🤣

      Merci, mon amie ♡

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  6. Very interesting. Although we do have kids in our complex, my building is locked so we never get any trick or treaters. It is very cold already, 15 degrees right now- so most of the trunk (that is not a typo) or treating is done via a bunch of people getting together in a parking lot- and the kids go from trunk to trunk and collect the candies….

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    1. Love that idea! Things changed because of covid. Our little street has a party for the kiddos. Whoever wants to participate sets up a table or chair or tree stump with goodies and the kids have a costume parade, then graze all evening. It’s great fun with lots of candy! 🍫

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  12. Nice to know, Nancy, those are fascinating history facts, …& scary times for kids in the past…👻…yikes!! …I’ve still got the Box of Heroes Choccies (I swear!!) …so I’m ready for the little darlings! …💙🤗

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