How did the original customs of Halloween turn to trick or treating?
By Susan Friend Oct 1, 2004, 15:30 QUESTION: How did the original custom of celebrating Halloween turn into dressing in costumes and trick-or-treating for candy? ANSWER: I’ve heard many stories about the traditions of Halloween and their origins. After doing a little research on the subject, I’m happy to share the stories that I found with you. Halloween is an annual celebration, but just what is it actually a celebration of? The word, “Halloween,” actually has its origins in the Catholic Church. It comes from a contracted corruption of All Hallows Eve. November 1, “All Hollows Day” (or All Saints Day), is a Catholic day of observance in honor of saints. But, in the 5th century BC, in Celtic Ireland, summer officially ended on October 31. The holiday was called Samhain (sow-en), the Celtic New year. One story says that, on that day, the disembodied spirits of all those who had died throughout the preceding year would come back in search of living bodies to possess for the next year. It
