OneAndOneIs2

I'm in rural France, so no chance of trick-or-treaters tonight. Shame, really.

Halloween is, of course, a pagan festival originating in Britain. It was the end of the year - the day the year 'died' - and also around the time when the animals no longer needed - mostly the males, since it only takes one male to ensure the next generation - were slaughtered to reduce the amount of food that would need to be supplied.

It's often mistaken as an American festival, of course, simply because they have such over-the-top parties for it. By this logic, though, it should really be thought of as more of a Mexican festival - tho their Day of the Dead will, of course, not start until tomorrow. It still puts even the Americans to shame.

Trick or treating dates back to when people would go from door to door asking for "soul cakes" in return for prayers for the souls of the dead. As so often happens, the point of the tradition became forgotten and all that was remembered was the going door-to-door to be given cakes.

I don't know quite where the "trick" part of trick or treating came into it though. When did "Give us sweets in honor of the dead" evolve into "Give us sweets or we'll throw eggs at your car!"

Anyone know?

Alternatively, anyone know of any good tricks that were played on people who refused to hand over candy? ;o)