It is October 31, Halloween night, and when you go outside, you can see people dressed up as their favorite characters, historical figures, and more. You also see houses covered with all sorts of lights, gravestones, spider webs, and tons of inflatables. But most notably, you’ll see kids holding bags and baskets full of candy given out by homes. But why candy?
The tradition of giving out candy on Halloween might have started in the 1920s or 1930s, but it was after World War II that candy manufacturers aggressively promoted the sale of candy in the 1950s. During the war, candy-like chocolate was mass-produced for soldiers because chocolate helped protect them from poisonous gas. Soldiers also needed candy that wouldn’t melt at high temperatures, such as M&Ms and Tootsie Rolls. After World War II, candy manufacturers continued promoting candy for Halloween because it had become a popular custom for people to hand out candy.
The tradition of giving out candy could also be tied to an old custom called “going-a-souling,” which was practiced during the Festival of Samhain. During this festival, some traditions included feasting, lighting candles for the dead, and people giving out food and treats door to door, similar to what we do today on Halloween. During Samhain, people would offer food to wandering spirits in an attempt to appease them and ward off evil, which may have influenced the custom of giving out candy on Halloween.
Another possible origin is linked to All Hallows’ Eve traditions, including carving pumpkins, dressing up, and trick-or-treating. The practice of giving out candy on Halloween might have begun when people dressed up in costumes and went house to house asking for food or money. A movement in the late 1800s helped shape Halloween into what it is today by popularizing trick-or-treating and decorating, shifting the focus away from ghosts and witchcraft.
Many factors contributed to Halloween traditions as we know them, but the main reasons are covered in this article.
So next time you enjoy a sweet treat on Halloween, you’ll know why candy is given out on this spooky night!