
The Origin of Giving Candy on Halloween
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Halloween, this colorful and spooky holiday, has become synonymous with costumes, spooky decorations and, of course, candy. But where does this gourmet tradition come from? Let's dive into history to discover the roots of this practice.
The Ancient Origins of Halloween
The history of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Celebrated on October 31, this festival was a time when the Celts believed that the spirits of the dead returned to earth. To appease these spirits and prevent them from causing trouble, they would light bonfires and make offerings.
The tradition of trick-or-treating
Over the centuries, the celebration of Samhain evolved and blended with other traditions, such as the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day. In the 1800s, the practice of "trick-or-treating" began to take shape. Children would dress up as ghosts and witches and go door to door, asking for treats in exchange for a promise not to play tricks. The tradition was both a way to celebrate and poke fun at the spirits, while also bringing a little joy to an often dark time.
The emergence of candy
In the early 20th century, candy began to become the gift of choice for children. Several factors contributed to this development:
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Industrialization : With the rise of industrialization, candy production increased, making these treats more accessible and cheaper.
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Marketing : Candy companies began targeting Halloween as a business opportunity. Holiday-specific candies were created, with spooky-themed packaging.
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Change in mentality : Parents saw sharing candy as a way to maintain the spirit of the holiday while controlling fears related to spirits and demons.
A tradition that continues
Today, trick-or-treating is a tradition that is deeply rooted in North American culture, but it has also spread to other parts of the world. Children eagerly await this night when they can knock on neighbors' doors, dressed up and ready to harvest an abundance of sweets.
In conclusion, giving candy on Halloween is a tradition that has its roots in ancient beliefs and has evolved over the centuries. It is a beautiful way to celebrate life, to make fun of death, and above all, to share moments of joy around a sweet treat. So, prepare your candy and your costumes, because Halloween is fast approaching!