Trick or treat! Children and their parents trick-or-treating for Halloween. (more) History of Trick-or-Treating Learn how an ancient pagan festival, the medieval practice of “souling,” and Donald Duck gave rise to a popular Halloween tradition. Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/History-of-Trick-or-Treating Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Amy Tikkanen Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 23, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Every October 31 millions of children and teenagers put on costumes and go door-to-door, shouting a familiar demand: “Trick or treat!” This has become one of Halloween’s most popular traditions. But have you ever wondered how trick-or-treating started? We take a look at its long—and often spooky—history. Halloween’s origins date back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest celebration that coincided with the beginning of the new year. People believed...

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