Why Is Candy Passed Out During Halloween?

Posted by Joan Borthwick on Oct 6th 2024

Why Is Candy Passed Out During Halloween?

Halloween has indeed evolved from its ancient roots into a beloved modern tradition. The Festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred. People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off wandering spirits.

As the tradition of "going a-souling" spread, it transformed into what we now recognize as trick-or-treating. Children would dress up and go door to door, not only for treats but also to carry on the communal spirit of the holiday. When this practice made its way to the United States in the early 20th century, it gradually morphed into the candy-focused Halloween we know today.

The American Halloween tradition has since grown to encompass a range of activities, from haunted houses and pumpkin carving to elaborate costume parties, all fostering a sense of community and creativity. It's a night that brings people together, whether they're out trick-or-treating or attending festive gatherings, making it a cherished celebration across the country.

Parental Concern:

In the 1930s and 40s, trick-or-treating began to gain traction as a popular Halloween tradition. However, as Halloween festivities grew, so did parents' worries about the safety of their children accepting unwrapped treats from strangers. At that time, homemade goodies like cookies, cakes, fruit, popcorn balls, and muffins were common. Parents voiced concerns that these treats could be tampered with, posing potential harm to their kids. Coupled with the fact that preparing these homemade treats was often expensive and time-consuming, a significant challenge emerged: while many wanted to celebrate Halloween, parents needed a reliable, safe alternative for treats.

Sweet, Packaged Confection:

By the 1950s, Halloween had become a widespread celebration in the United States. Yet, parental concerns about the safety of Halloween treats remained prominent. Candy manufacturers recognized this as a perfect opportunity to address these worries. They launched extensive advertising campaigns touting the safety of prepackaged candy, emphasizing that wrapped sweets were less likely to be tampered with, as any alterations would be visibly marked on the packaging. This shift made it far more economical for families to purchase candy instead of spending countless hours preparing homemade treats.

Sugar Harms Teeth:

Despite the convenience of prepackaged candies, it's important to remember that these sweets are high in sugar. Sugar fuels unhealthy bacteria that can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. To keep your child's teeth healthy during Halloween, ensure they don’t overindulge in candy and remind them to brush and floss after enjoying their treats. Wishing you and your family a happy and safe Halloween!

Since it's only Once a Year, With safe practices children of all ages can have a fun enjoyable time going door to door saying trick or treat. 

Take a look at some of our amazing costumes for children all of ages. https://primechoiceshopping.com/

Happy Halloween,

Prime Choice Shopping.