History of Trick-or-treating in Timeline
Trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition on October 31st where people, often in costume, go door-to-door saying "trick or treat" to receive candy or sometimes money. The "trick" implies a playful threat of mischief if a treat isn't given. Homes often signal their participation with decorations, porch lights, or by leaving treats out for easy access.
1911: First Recorded Instance of Guising in North America
A 1911 newspaper report from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, documented children "guising" in the neighborhood, marking the earliest known occurrence of this practice in North America.
1911: First Recorded Instance of Guising in North America
In 1911, children in Ontario, Canada, were recorded as going house to house in costume at Halloween, marking the first known occurrence of guising in North America.
1911: Earliest North American "Guising" Reference
The year 1911 marked the earliest recorded reference to "guising" in North America.
1915: Ritual Begging on Halloween Documented
In 1915, there was a documented instance of ritual begging on Halloween, though the specific location is unknown.
1917: First Appearance of "Trick or Treat"
The canonical form "trick or treat" first appeared in 1917 in Chatsworth, Ontario, shortly after the "tricks or treats" variant emerged in Sault Ste. Marie.
1917: "Trick or Treat!" First Recorded
The phrase "trick or treat!" was first documented in Ontario, Canada, in 1917, initially appearing as "tricks or treats," signifying a request for treats with an implied threat of pranks.
1917: "Tricks or Treats" in Sault Ste. Marie
The phrase "tricks or treats," an early variant of "trick or treat," was documented in a 1917 report from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, marking an important step in the evolution of the Halloween phrase.
1919: Publication of "The Book of Hallowe'en"
Ruth Edna Kelley published "The Book of Hallowe'en" in 1919, referencing the tradition of souling and highlighting the influence of European customs on American Halloween celebrations.
1920: Ritual Begging Reference in Chicago
A reference to ritual begging on Halloween appeared in Chicago in 1920, indicating the growing presence of such practices.
1920: Growing Immigrant Population in Lynn, Massachusetts
By 1920, Lynn, Massachusetts, saw a significant rise in its immigrant population, including a considerable number of Irish, English, and Scottish immigrants, potentially contributing to the spread of Halloween traditions.
1921: "Trick or a Treat" Emerges
The variant "trick or a treat" was used in Chatsworth, Ontario, in 1921, illustrating the continued evolution of the phrase.
1922: Edmonton Variations: "Treat Up or Tricks" and "Treat or Tricks"
Edmonton, Alberta, saw the use of "treat up or tricks" and "treat or tricks" in 1922, showcasing regional variations in the Halloween phrase.
1924: "Treat or Trick" in Penhold, Alberta
The variant "treat or trick" was documented in Penhold, Alberta, in 1924, further highlighting the regional variations in the phrase.
1928: First U.S. Appearance of "Trick-or-Treat"
The term "trick-or-treat" appeared in the United States for the first time in 1928, signaling its introduction to a wider audience.
1939: First National Publication of "Trick-or-Treat"
In 1939, "trick-or-treat" was used in a national publication for the first time, indicating its growing recognition and acceptance.
1940: Pre-1940 "Trick-or-Treat" Primarily in U.S. and Canada
Before 1940, usage of the term "trick-or-treat" was largely confined to the United States and Canada.
1942: World War II Sugar Rationing Begins
The start of World War II sugar rationing in April 1942 impacted trick-or-treating, as sugar became a scarce commodity.
1946: "The Baby Snooks Show" Features Trick-or-Treating
The network radio program "The Baby Snooks Show" featured trick-or-treating in a 1946 episode, contributing to its rising national attention.
1947: Trick-or-Treating Featured in Children's Magazines
October 1947 issues of children's magazines "Jack and Jill" and "Children's Activities" featured trick-or-treating, further solidifying its presence in popular culture.
1947: World War II Sugar Rationing Ends
The end of sugar rationing in June 1947 allowed trick-or-treating to fully resume its growth in popularity.
1948: Madison Square Boys Club Protest
Members of the Madison Square Boys Club in New York City protested against the perceived begging aspect of trick-or-treating during a Halloween parade in 1948.
1948: Trick-or-Treating on "The Jack Benny Show" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet"
Network radio programs "The Jack Benny Show" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" both aired Halloween episodes in 1948 that featured trick-or-treating, showcasing its growing prevalence.
1950: UNICEF Launches "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF"
UNICEF introduced the "Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" program in 1950, providing an alternative to candy collection and allowing children to raise funds for the organization while trick-or-treating.
1951: Peanuts Comic Strip Depicts Trick-or-Treating
The Peanuts comic strip featured trick-or-treating in 1951, marking its integration into mainstream comics.
1952: Trick-or-Treating in Disney's "Trick or Treat" and "Ozzie and Harriet"
Walt Disney's cartoon "Trick or Treat" and an episode of the television show "Ozzie and Harriet" both depicted trick-or-treating in 1952, firmly establishing it in popular culture.
1953: UNICEF's First National Trick-or-Treat Campaign
In 1953, UNICEF launched its first national campaign encouraging children to raise funds for the organization while trick-or-treating, adding a charitable dimension to the tradition.
1966: "Tricks or Treats" in "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown"
The 1966 television special "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" used the variant "tricks or treats," demonstrating the persistence of older forms alongside the standardized "trick or treat."
2005: National Confectioners Association Survey
A 2005 survey by the National Confectioners Association revealed that 80% of U.S. adults planned to give out candy to trick-or-treaters, while 93% of children, teenagers, and young adults intended to participate in trick-or-treating or other Halloween activities.
2006: Rise in Popularity of Trunk-or-Treat
Trunk-or-treat events, often organized by churches or community groups as a safer alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, gained significant popularity by 2006.