This month, the little ones at home are eagerly awaiting Halloween. Monsters, costumes, pumpkins, vampires… children take control of the most terrifying worlds to fill them with laughter and excitement.
But where does "trick or treat" come from? Today, it is known as one of the most deeply rooted traditions in American culture. On this day, families have the opportunity to meet other parents and children while distributing sweets and treats to children dressed as ghosts, mummies, witches, and vampires. The literal translation of Trick or Treat would be “mischief or sweet,” and with it, children make a kind of “innocent threat” to get candy in exchange for not playing a trick.
This tradition was imported to Spain only 20 years ago, but its origin dates back to the Middle Ages in the United Kingdom. It was customary for neighbors to go from house to house on December 31st asking for "soul cakes" in exchange for a prayer for the deceased. Over the years, this tradition has undergone different modifications, but the essence has always remained the same.
Are you ready to celebrate Halloween this year? Besides finding the most terrifying costumes, it can also be a lot of fun to decorate your house for the Trick or Treat celebration. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Kids and parents should know that your house is ready to celebrate Halloween. Use decorative elements that make it very clear: cobwebs, pumpkins, bandages… let your imagination run wild and create your own space of terror.
- Sweets, sweets, sweets. You can't miss these. Consider buying some gluten-free ones, so celiacs can also participate in the feast.
- Music. You can place a small speaker at the entrance with music to help set the mood.
- You can make small cards with your child to hand out with the candies: pumpkin drawings, terrifying poems, witch hats… This will make the celebration last even longer and offer something personalized. Your child will surely have a great time making them!
And now, are you ready for trick or treating?
