Trick or Treat

[ghoti_mhic_uait]

I might be being overly fastidious, but why is it acceptable for children to go around strangers houses begging for sweets? Why is it acceptable for children to beg at all?

Comments

[beckyc.livejournal.com]

But is it really so widespread (in the UK)? I wasn't allowed to as a child and I'm not sure my parents were in any way unique.

[bopeepsheep.livejournal.com]

It seems to be widespread in Oxford, and they start early (i.e. now). IMO it isn't acceptable and we ignore them or decline. So far, no repercussions.

[velvetfox.livejournal.com]

As a child, I was allowed to go out, on halloween, with either my parents or much older friend, but only to the houses of family friends. I think that's what I'll be doing with Brandon as he grows up.

[zotz]

It was almost compulsory in Scotland. It was the custom in Scotland and Ireland (maybe the north of England too, I'm not sure) for God knows how long and has recently spread back to the rest of the UK from the States. AFAICT, at least.

[hatter.livejournal.com]

But, at least where I used to stay in scotland, it was about general dressing up, and you were supposed to entertain the neighbours, and they gaveyou treats.

Of course, no one had explained this to me, before I went trick-or-treating in imported "dress as something scary, give us stuff or we'll do something vaguely unappreciated" style.


the hatter

[ghoti.livejournal.com]

That does sound less nasty. i'm still not sure I'd go for it, even without the 'trick' elmnt; I spend 364 days telling him not to demand special treats, and one day telling him he can? (Well, no, actually, cos he very very rarely asks for sweets or treats, but in theory...)

[ghoti.livejournal.com]

I think it's getting more common. Mostly we just don;'t open the door, but then, last year I was in a block of flats with no direct access, and this year I'll be away, so it won't really be an issue until next year for us...