Post by Zadkiel on Apr 24, 2016 11:47:24 GMT
Most experts trace trick-or-treating to the European practice of mumming or guysing, in which costume-wearing participants would go door-to-door performing choreographed dances, songs and plays in exchange for treats. According to Elizabeth Pleck’s Celebrating The Family, the tradition cropped up in America, where it would often take place on Thanksgiving.
In some early versions of trick-or-treating, men paraded door-to-door and boys often followed, begging for coins. Most of these early trick-or-treaters were poor and actually needed the money, but wealthy children also joined in the fun. Door-to-door begging was mostly stopped in the 1930s, but re-emerged later in the century to distract kids from pulling Halloween pranks.
In some early versions of trick-or-treating, men paraded door-to-door and boys often followed, begging for coins. Most of these early trick-or-treaters were poor and actually needed the money, but wealthy children also joined in the fun. Door-to-door begging was mostly stopped in the 1930s, but re-emerged later in the century to distract kids from pulling Halloween pranks.
