Final answer:
The original version of 'trick-or-treating' likely dates back to medieval traditions such as souling and guising, where individuals would solicit food or money in exchange for prayers or performances during Halloween celebrations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of Trick-or-Treating The tradition of trick-or-treating during Halloween has evolved over centuries and is believed to have several potential origins. One theory traces it to the medieval practice of souling, where the poor would go door-to-door on Hallowmas (November 1) asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead on All Souls' Day (November 2). Another possible precursor to trick-or-treating is the tradition of guising, where children and sometimes adults dressed up in costumes and performed in exchange for food, wine, or money during Halloween celebrations. This practice was common in Scotland and Ireland in the late 19th century and involved participants donning costumes, singing, reciting poetry, or telling jokes to earn their treat. Modern trick-or-treating resembles these olden traditions in many ways—children dress up in costumes and go from door to door asking for treats. The phrase 'trick or treat' is a playful ultimatum given to homeowners that a trick (mischief) may be played on them if no treat is given. This element of playful threat mimics the medieval practices where the 'treat' was a form of exchange—either food for prayers or entertainment.