If you were like me and my friends growing up at Nolan, you looked forward every October to Halloween and trick-or-treating.

We were not allowed to go out wandering around after dark. We know the days get much shorter at this time of year. So it gets dark a lot earlier in late October, even before daylight saving time starts.

But did you ever wonder where and when the tradition of trick-or-treating started? I decided to do a little online research and found a lot of tidbits and history of this traditional autumn holiday.

The “treat” is some form of confectionery, which is usually candy or sweets, although in some cultures money is given instead. The “trick” refers to a threat, usually idle, to perform mischief on the residents or their property if no treat is given.

In past years, tricks included soaping windows or something along those lines. In some cases, tricks were much more dangerous like blocking roads in rural areas. This no doubt keep law enforcement busy.

But where did this tradition start?

The history of trick-or-treating traces back to Scotland and Ireland, where the guising—going from house to house at Halloween and putting on a small performance to be rewarded with food or treats—first originated, according to Wikipedia.

In Scotland and Ireland, guising refers to children going from door to door in disguise for a gift in the form of food, coins, apples or nuts for the Halloween party, according to the website.

The start goes back at least as far as the 16th century, as does the tradition of people wearing costumes at Halloween. There are many accounts from 19th-century Scotland and Ireland of people going house to house in costume at Halloween, reciting verses in exchange for food, and sometimes warning of misfortune if they were not welcomed.

The traditional fall holiday eventually came to the United States in the early 1900s. Before that it started in North America in Canada, according to the research.

The interjection of a loud, boisterous “trick or treat!” — a request for sweets or candy — originated in the northeast and was asked when the children went from door to door. If the household did not provide sweets or other treats, then that residence would be subjected to a prank or practical joke. This started in the northern and western United States in the 1930s and across the rest of the United States through the 1940s and early 1950s, according to Wikipedia.

Of course, today Halloween is celebrated in every state. Some dates vary because of conflicts with football games on Friday nights, or weekends, where there is more traffic for kids and parents to deal with. So safety concerns usually help officials decide on what night to have trick-or-treat.

For example, this year in most of the towns and counties in this area, it was decided Thursday, Oct. 30 will be the date. So you better buy your candy and goodies before that date.

You see many more homes decorate for Halloween now. In past years, houses may have had a jack-o’-lantern carved and placed with a candle or light on their front porch. But throughout the years, there are much more elaborate Halloween decorations available at stores and for people who enjoy the holiday to display on their lawns.

Costumes in the past were homemade or more simple. Nowadays you can buy more detailed and expensive masks and outfits. In the past, you were lucky to get a plastic mask to wear on your face.

Times have definitely changed for Halloween and trick or treat.

Now, many adults and restaurants will hold parties for the older generation. So the grownups can still dress up and have fun with this time of year.

Whether you enjoy the holiday or not, it is here to stay.

I know growing up, me and my friends really looked forward to going out from house to house. Not only for the candy, but to see the other children dressed up.

I have some fond memories of Halloween of growing up and then taking my own children and grandchildren out to get treats and to have some fun.

I hope you and your family enjoy trick-or-treating and have a safe evening.

Until next time.

(Kyle Lovern is a longtime journalist in the Tug Valley. He is now a retired freelance writer and columnist for the Mountain Citizen.)