Trick-Or-Treat Around The World

Trick-or-treating, a familiar Halloween tradition in the U.S. and Canada, has roots in global customs. A precursor to this tradition can be found in a European practice. Dating back to the Middle Ages, people in the British Isles went door-to-door, performing for food and drink. This custom, known as guising, still exists in Scotland and Ireland. Halloween's origins lie in the Celtic Samhain festival, which celebrated the start of winter. All Saints' Day, coinciding with Halloween, sees trick-or-treating in Portugal. In Mexico, U.S. Halloween practices are influencing the Day of the Dead traditions. Various cultures have similar practices at different times of the year, like Easter in Scandinavia and New Year's Eve in Northern Germany. In other areas, like parts of Europe, children sing for treats on St. Martin's Day or during Ramadan. These practices of seeking rewards for performances show a global tradition.