Historians trace the centuries-old roots of trick-or-treating amid rising modern candy costs

Consumers face holiday candy prices that are up an average of 15% from last year, roughly four times the overall rate of inflation, leading some Americans to take on debt to cover purchases.

• •Trick-or-treating roots trace back centuries to European harvest festivals and the Celtic festival of Samhain on October 31.
• •Ancient Celts believed the dead would return to Earth on the night of Samhain when the line between living and spirit worlds blurred.
• •Traditions such as 'souling' and 'guising' involved people going door to door for food, money, or treats.
• •Pranks became a popular Halloween activity among young people by the 1920s.
• •The Great Depression exacerbated Halloween pranks, helping lead to the widespread adoption of community-based trick-or-treating.
• •Trick-or-treating was briefly curtailed during World War II due to sugar rationing.
• •Candy prices rose an average of 15% this year compared to last year, which is about four times the overall rate of inflation.
• •Some Americans increasingly take on debt to cover Halloween candy purchases amid rising costs.