Ghouls and goblins, various shades of orange, black and red hanging in the sky the soft glow of candles emanating through the smile of a friendly carved pumpkin. The gentle cast of moonlight in a dark sky, children walking the neighborhood with other superheroes, princesses and more trying to get more treats than tricks. The one night to be anything you want. The only rule? Escape from reality. Pull out the ghoulish decorations, put on your best disguise, its Halloween time.

One of the most common and most exciting part of Halloween, especially to kids is dressing up and participating in the long-standing tradition of trick or treating. While there is no cut and dry thread leading to the exact origin of Trick-or-Treating, there are traces and early examples of traditions that share similarities throughout history.

Halloween itself is influenced by different ancient traditions from groups.  According to “How Trick-or-Treating came to be” Celts, celebrated Samhain to pay respects to the dead. However, years later, people would adopt the custom called Souling. This was where lower social class would go to the homes of the rich and get food in exchange for saying prayers for their departed loved ones.

Much like the origins the exact start of the tradition in the U.S is unknown, but according to History.com’s “How Trick-or-Treating Became a Halloween Tradition” pranks on Halloween started occurring more in the 1920’s. this later led to an early resemblance of a now cherished tradition in the 30’s.

Through the years Halloween traditions have continued to evolve and change. Now along with trick or treating is the newer tradition of Trunk-or-Treating which according to The Atlantic’s “Where Are All the Trick-or-Treaters?” started becoming more popular in 2006.

Halloween traditions have changed many times throughout the years and ultimately become traditions and reassured memories. Who knows what knew things will come next.