Officialy time for trick or treating??

[GLC1968]

I remember as a kid (I believe it was when we lived in Wisconsin) that Trick or Treat was time intentionally limited one year. We were supposed to go between 3 pm and 6 pm that year (I think it was...) so that it was still light out. I remember being totally outraged as a junior high aged kid! They may have done that due to some recent kidnapping or something though.

And yes, in NC (particularly where we lived), everyone got into an uproar about trick or treating no matter what night it fell on. It's a heathen celebration for heaven's sake! Or going out on All Hallow's Eve is like worshiping the devil or something. I'm not religous, so I didn't really pay attention to the complaints. I just know that every year we were there, there were Fall Festivals or Harvest Celebrations at schools and churches so that kids could get their fun without really participating in the typical Halloween traditions.

We don't get kids at our house where we live now, so I don't pay attention. I bought candy last year just in case and I believe it's still in a drawer in our guestroom should any kids show up this year.

[sfa]

I've heard of it, but have never run into it personally. I don't get the argument that designating a date and time would let people know when to be careful of kids in the neighborhood. It's easier to remember: October 31, sunset--watch out for kids in costumes begging for candy. Much harder when you start moving the date around.

Sarah

[Irulan]

never heard of such of thing. Sure, there's parties at the malls, and don't run the kids over warnings...but mandated times? Pfft.

[Veronica]

Halloween began as a Celtic celebration. Basically it was a time to say, "We're really happy for our harvest. Please don't let us die over the winter." They sacrificed sheep and had bonfires. A lot of the rituals started as a way to foretell your future - particularly whom you would marry. The Romans came along and added in the apples for their goddess Pomona. Then along came the Christians and they really tried to get rid of Halloween, but obviously were unsuccessful.

The Christians like tying their holidays into already preexisting ones. I have always been somewhat amused that Christmas is around the Saturnalia, a lawless time in Rome when roles were reversed and people sang naked in the streets - early caroling.

Veronica

[tulip]

I grew up (mostly) in the south, and I've never heard of any protests because of Halloween, no matter what day it falls on. It's Halloween, let it be already! I can understand publicizing awareness because kids are out, for safety. A couple of years ago, I totally did up my house with fake cobwebs and stuff, and that was fun. Last year I was out of town. This year I'll be here, but I haven't planned on dressing up my house. Guess I'll have to get some candy ad put up my pumpkin lights, but that's it. Those fake cobwebs are too much trouble. There are lots of trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood.

[malkin]

Kind of an issue in Salt Lake City, although everyone knows where/when to go door to door or to parties.

I've never been clear on a rating scale of holiness/unholiness that renders trick'r'treating too unholy for Sunday night, but ok for some other night.

[Eden]

Silliness if you ask me.... condemn Halloween and you sure better not celebrate Christmas or Easter, which have just as many roots in Paganism..... (hmmmmm harvest, solstice and equinox) the only real difference is that the latter two were successfully assimilated into Christianity while Halloween has not been.

I for one will give candy to any kids that show up on my porch. Being a Sunday I'll probably actually be here... (IMHO having Halloween at a mall or before dark would take lot of the fun out of it - poor kiddos today so sheltered these days)

[Koronin]

I grew up in Ohio and it was always on Oct 31. I moved to NC 10 years ago. One year the town did try to change it when it was on Sunday and there were protests of them trying to change it. Of course some of the really religious people then protested it being on Sunday. (It ended up being on Sunday.) And the new city I'm living in is having it on Sunday. Personally I don't care, just would like to be informed so I know when to have candy around in case anyone shows up. Since we moved I have no clue how many, or even if we'll get any kids. Plus this is a military city and people are always moving in and out of the neighborhood.

[ClockworkOrange]

.........................The Christians like tying their holidays into already preexisting ones. I have always been somewhat amused that Christmas is around the Saturnalia, a lawless time in Rome when roles were reversed and people sang naked in the streets - early caroling.

Veronica

".........when roles were reversed and people sang naked in the streets - early caroling"

I so hope that doesn't catch on again!

Clock

[Atlas]

Well I feel a little backward now. Trick or treating was always done on Beggar's Night which was the 30th. I don't think I ever went out trick or treating on Halloween. Not all of Iowa does this, but there are a few areas.

Here is a link about the beginning of Beggar's Night in Iowa. I guess it was to curb vandalism and it worked pretty well.

[Koronin]

Scalded Cat, in the US you are not supposed to knock on doors if the porch lights are not on. You are only supposed to knock on doors with the porch lights on. Basically the light means you are invited to knock and get a treat. Some still knock on doors with lights out which is just plainly stupid and annoying.

[ScaldedCat]

Scalded Cat, in the US you are not supposed to knock on doors if the porch lights are not on. You are only supposed to knock on doors with the porch lights on. Basically the light means you are invited to knock and get a treat. Some still knock on doors with lights out which is just plainly stupid and annoying.

Here they knock on every door in a street, porch lights are not the norm on every house so people just pretend to not be in, turn the lights off, turn the tv volume down etc.
Unfortunately it is not uncommon for kids to put dog dirt through peoples letter boxes or throw eggs at your house if you don't give them anything.
Many elderly and vulnerable people feel threatened at this time of year and there is a spate of burglaries and petty theiving that the police tie in to trick or treating also.
Sometimes kids, or teens more commonly don't even bother dressing up and still expect to be given handouts.