Trunk-or-treating is a form of Halloween tradition which often serves as an alternative to trick-or-treating in the United States and Canada. Beginning in the 1990s, it usually involves candy or other treats being handed out of or taken from the trunks of vehicles, typically on Halloween (All Hallow's Eve), although this tradition is also held in the days preceding or following the annual celebration on October 31. It is intended to be a safer alternative to trick-or-treating. [1]
This annual tradition was begun in the 1990s by Christian Churches and their associated groups as a "fall festival" for an alternative to trick-or-treating in churches. [A] Though Halloween (All Hallow's Eve) and its religious observances originate in the Christian tradition, being apart of the season of Allhallowtide, certain parents have expressed concern about modern-day revelry in its popular celebration, such as the gore that has become associated with it in the latter part of the 20th century. [5] [6] [7] [8] Additionally, trunk-or-treating avoids street crime or car danger that may be associated with normal trick-or-treating. [1] [9] While trick-or-treating involves going to homes or buildings to receive candy, trunk-or-treating is associated with candy being handed out or served from the trunks of decorated vehicles. [10] [3] [4]
The etiquette of trunk-or-treating has led to the tradition also being called "Halloween tailgating", after the practice of handing out or serving candy from the trunks of vehicles. [11] [12] Trunk-or-treating has become increasingly popular in the 21st century since originating from Center Point, Alabama, where the first such event was initially held. [3] [11] Some churches and church leaders have seen the popularity of Halloween celebrations as an opportunity for religious and cultural engagement with the Gospel. [13] Apart from Christian churches, cities or other community groups have sponsored trunk-or-treat events. [14]
Trunk-or-treating is typically held on Halloween and Halloween night, although it can also be hosted in the days before or after the annual celebration (cf. Allhallowtide). [15] Trunk-or-treat locations vary, although they are often held at churches or schools, in large parking lots, or at car dealerships. [3] [11] The vehicles that candy is collected from are also usually covered with Halloween decorations. [15] [16]
Police departments issue safety tips. Churches bill "trunk-or-treat" events as "safe" ways to enjoy the holiday. A chain of medical clinics in the region offers to X-ray children's candy. ... Halloween is the night each year when children thrill to the spookier dimensions of life. But a combination of real hazards and urban legends has made the holiday scary for adults as well. Trunk-or-treating involves parents decorating their cars, lining them up in a school or church parking lot, and handing out candy from the trunks. It has gained popularity as an alternative to letting children walk neighborhoods at night.
Halloween has always been a night to explore the dark side, but in recent years, some worry that costumes have gone over the top in terms of sheer gore and grossness. Teenagers may revel in it, while adults roll their eyes. Younger children, though, can be truly terrified by these images.
The vigil of the feast is Halloween, the night when charms and incantations were powerful, when people looked into the future, and when feasting and merriment were ordained. Up to recent time this was a day of abstinence, when according to church ruling no flesh meat was allowed. Colcannon, apple cake and barm brack, as well as apples and nuts were part of the festive fare.
Early in church history, Christians began to celebrate the "saints" (heroes of the faith) and by the 7th century, All Saints' Day was celebrated annually throughout the Christian world - Orthodox churches celebrated on the Sunday after Pentecost, and Roman Catholic churches celebrated on May 13. Without a doubt, the origin of All Saints' Day and its Eve (Halloween) was entirely Christian.
About All Hallows Eve: Tonight is the eve of All Saints Day, the festival in the Church that recalls the faith and witness of the men and women who have come before us. The service celebrates our continuing communion with them, and memorializes the recently deceased. The early church followed the Jewish custom that a new day began at sundown; thus, feasts and festivals in the church were observed beginning the night before.
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