What is trick or treat - why do it?

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Trick or Treat?

Although some attribute Trick or Treat to the practice of putting out gifts for the mischievous spirits that roamed about during the ancient New Year’s Eve. It is far more likely to be derived from the practice of "soulling". In 9th century Europe on November 2nd ("All Souls Day") it was the practice to walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes" (square bread made with currants).

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The more soul cakes they received the more prayers would be offered up to the dead relatives of the donors.

At that time it was believed that a person’s soul did not go to Heaven but remained in limbo for some time, the more prayers that were delivered the sooner they would migrate to Heaven.