Here in Scotland, Halloween was never of the 'trick or treat' variety. Instead, children dressed up and went from door to door asking to be allowed in. Once in, each child was expected to perform a 'party piece', such as a song, poem or joke. They had to earn their treats, and there was no thought of tricks. A common chant when seeking entry was, 'The sky is blue, the grass is green. Please may we have our Halloween?'
I must admit that, like Guy, I was, until this year, one of those who pretended not to be in. Now, however, I am carer to a seven year old, and will have to enter into the spirit of things.
I have to add that it was never the custom here for adults to dress up unless they were actually attending a fancy dress party. It seems that we have become more Americanised over the years. |