Trick or Treat! The History, Traditions, and Must-Watch Movies and Shows for Halloween Night
Trick or Treat!
Halloween wouldn’t be the same without the sound of these three magical words as kids roam neighborhoods in their favorite costumes, bags ready for candy. But where did the tradition of trick-or-treating come from, and how did Halloween evolve into today’s celebration of spooks and sweets? Let’s dive into the origins of trick-or-treating, Halloween traditions, and must-watch movies and shows to set the perfect Halloween vibe!
The Spooky Origins of Trick-or-Treating
The roots of Halloween reach back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts celebrated Samhain on October 31st to mark the transition from the harvest season to winter, a time they believed the veil between the living and spirit worlds was at its thinnest. To protect themselves from wandering spirits, Celts donned costumes to disguise themselves, set up bonfires, and left out food offerings to appease spirits and avoid unwanted tricks.
With the spread of Christianity, Samhain was blended into church traditions, eventually becoming All Saints' Day on November 1st. The night before, All Hallows' Eve (later shortened to “Halloween”), became a time to honor the dead. By medieval times in Europe, a practice called souling had emerged, where poor villagers would go door to door, offering prayers for the departed in exchange for food, typically “soul cakes.”
This souling practice evolved over centuries, crossing the Atlantic with immigrants to America, where it transformed into the trick-or-treating we know today. Instead of food for prayers, children now ask for candy, bringing a festive twist to the age-old tradition of warding off spooky spirits.
7 Must-Watch Movies and Shows to Set the Halloween Mood
Ready for a Halloween binge that’ll keep you on edge? Here’s a bone-chilling list of the scariest movies and shows of all time. If you’re up for true horror, these picks will have you questioning every shadow in your home!
1. The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Adapted from Shirley Jackson’s haunting novel, this series follows a family grappling with trauma rooted in the ghost-infested Hill House. The show masterfully uses hidden ghosts, creating a constant feeling of unease as you spot eerie figures in the background. It’s a chilling blend of family drama and supernatural horror that lingers with you long after each episode ends.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary redefines psychological horror with a tale of grief and the unshakable horrors passed through family. As secrets unravel, so does the family’s sanity, leading to supernatural and shocking scenes that build relentless dread. The final act is terrifying, shocking audiences with disturbing visuals that are as deeply unsettling as they are unforgettable.
3. The Exorcist (1973)
Widely regarded as one of the scariest films ever made, The Exorcist centers on the horrifying possession of a young girl, Regan, and the desperate exorcism that follows. The chilling sound effects, gut-wrenching visuals, and psychological terror make it feel deeply real. Decades later, the imagery and unsettling moments still leave audiences disturbed and sleepless.
4. Midnight Mass (2021)
From the mind of Mike Flanagan, Midnight Mass takes place on an isolated island where a strange new priest brings miracles and a deep, deep, dark evil. The show expertly builds tension as faith, mystery, and horror clash in shocking, unforgettable ways. As the episodes progress, the show dives into profound themes of belief, redemption, and sheer terror, with an ending you won’t forget.
5. Sinister (2012)
In Sinister, a true-crime writer’s discovery of unsettling home movies sets off a chain of supernatural events that dig into pure psychological horror. As he unravels the mystery, he faces a presence that gets closer and more terrifying with each revelation. The creepy found-footage style, combined with spine-chilling visuals and sounds, keeps you in constant suspense.
6. Ju-On: The Grudge (2002)
This Japanese horror staple delivers relentless dread, with a curse that follows anyone who dares enter the haunted house. The spirits torment their victims in every space they inhabit, creating a never-ending horror that no one can escape. Known for its chilling, silent scares and terrifying visuals, it’s a ghost story that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.
7. Paranormal Activity (Franchise)
This found-footage phenomenon starts with a simple home video setup but quickly escalates into pure, voyeuristic terror. As the supernatural entity wreaks havoc on the unsuspecting couple, the subtle scares intensify until they’re impossible to ignore. With its realistic approach and mounting dread, the franchise redefined horror, making even the ordinary feel terrifying.
This collection is not for the faint of heart, prepare yourself for some serious frights! If you're up for more scares, want a list of spine-chilling horror novels to add to the Halloween vibe?
Don’t forget to check out our special spooky edition and magical recipes to a hauntingly unforgettable Halloween night, filled with creepy treats and hauntingly good drinks!
