Halloween Origins: How a Spooky Tradition Became a Sweet Occasion

Do you ever wonder how trick-or-treat came about? Or how about Halloween as an occasion itself? Halloween may be a time for haunted houses, deliciously tempting chocolates and candies, and outlandish (or ghoulish) costumes but also embedded in it is a rich cultural heritage worth knowing.

The Ancient Roots of Halloween

The origins of Halloween itself date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Celebrated on October 31, this festival marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be thin. People would dress in costumes to ward off roaming spirits and offer food to appease them — an early version of the “treat” aspect we see today.

All Souls’ Day and “Souling”

By the 9th century, many pagan traditions were adapted into Christian practices. One such event was All Souls’ Day, a time to honor the dead, celebrated on November 2. During this period, the practice of “souling” became popular, where children and the poor would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food, usually small cakes known as "soul cakes." This was one of the first recorded instances of something resembling modern-day trick-or-treating.

“Guising” in Scotland and Ireland

In the Middle Ages, the practice of “guising” became common in Scotland and Ireland. Children would dress up in costumes and visit neighbors’ homes to perform tricks, sing songs, or recite poems in exchange for small treats, such as fruit or money. Unlike today’s trick-or-treaters, these kids would often have to earn their rewards with a bit of entertainment.

Trick-or-Treating in America

It wasn’t until the 1920s and 1930s that trick-or-treating became widespread in the United States. Early American Halloween celebrations were largely centered around parties, pranks, and community events, but over time, the tradition of going door-to-door for candy began to take shape. By the 1950s, trick-or-treating as we know it today had become a staple of American Halloween celebrations, with candy manufacturers capitalizing on the growing demand for pre-packaged treats.

Halloween, As We Know It

These days, Halloween has become a global, cheeky occasion that brings people together. While trick-or-treating has seen some changes over the years, the spirit of the tradition remains the same—a fun and festive way for children (and kids at heart) to celebrate Halloween. It’s a night when chocolates and candies reign supreme. 

For chocolate brands such as ROYCE’ Chocolate, Halloween is also an opportunity to offer seasonal selections such as the ROYCE’ Halloween Happy Selection, ROYCE’ Halloween Baton Cookies, and ROYCE’ Halloween R Chocolat, among others. These limited-edition Boutique Exclusives are perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your Halloween festivities, offering a sophisticated spin on Halloween treats to share with everyone.

ROYCE' Chocolate's Halloween selections are available for in-store purchase in some key locations across the US.