A Spooky Tradition with a Sacred Past

Photo Credit: Beth Teutschmann

You aren’t alone in looking forward to Halloween each year. This special night filled with costumes, candy, and spooky fun has become a beloved tradition in Newark and around the world. And one of the most iconic Halloween activities is trick-or-treating. So get ready for a season where children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door collecting candy. But hold on a bit. Where did this tradition come from?

The roots of trick-or-treating can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. And the belief is that during Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead gets thin, making it possible for spirits to return to the world. 

Naturally, no one wants evil spirits around. So to ward them off and appease the dead, people would leave offerings of food and drink outside their homes. And trust children to go from door-to-door collecting these offerings, often in exchange for prayers for the dead. This practice was known as "souling" and was believed to ensure the souls of the departed would find peace.

Well… Nothing remains constant in life, meaning this won’t be any different. Over time, the practice of souling evolved into trick-or-treating. The sight of children dressing up in costumes to disguise themselves as spirits or other supernatural beings became common. And if they were not given treats, they would play pranks, such as throwing stones or making noise.

Today, trick-or-treating is seen as a fun and festive activity for children. However, it is important to remember its ancient origins and the sacred purpose it once served. By understanding the history behind this tradition, we can appreciate its cultural significance and enjoy Halloween with a deeper sense of connection to the past.

So get ready for trick-or-treaters in the Newark neighborhood by ordering meals from Ounje Alabeke.