Guising, the Scottish precursor to trick-or-treating, dates back to the 16th century and involves children and adults dressing in costumes to receive treats, according to the National Records of Scotland.
While trick-or-treating is now widely regarded as an American practice, the tradition known as guising has its origins in Scotland. The word 'guising' comes from 'disguise', referring to the costumes historically worn around this time of year. Centuries ago, guising was not about sweets or chocolate but about safety and warding off evil spirits.
Origins in Samhain and All Hallows' Eve
On All Hallows' Eve, which has its origins in the Celtic festival of Samhain, children and adults would wear scary costumes and disguise themselves as malicious creatures to blend in with them. Those disguised as evil wraiths would wander the streets among the spirits of the dead, visiting feasting houses where they received treats in exchange for protecting homes from wicked forces. Instead of Mars bars or Skittles, they received fruits and nuts.
Households also left offerings outside their front doors, hoping spirits would accept them and leave the home unharmed. Some mischievous Scots reportedly dressed up pretending to be spirits to steal these treats from doorsteps.
Guising as a nuisance and its spread
According to the National Records of Scotland, guising was considered a nuisance by many because it often took place over days or weeks rather than a single night. The records state that one Sheriff reportedly suggested guising be strictly limited to October 31, which may explain why the tradition became associated with that night.
Over time, the practice of guising on October 31 spread to other countries and became known as trick-or-treating. Where children once received fruits or nuts for protecting homes from evil, they now get sweets and chocolate for telling a joke.
Modern guising customs
The National Records of Scotland states: "The most familiar Scottish custom which still features in today’s Halloween, is guising. People, afraid of returning or malevolent spirits recognising them, would only dare venture out in disguise as a form of protection. Food would be left out as an offering to appease those spirits that sought to visit."
Today, this custom of going out in 'guise' is mostly enjoyed by children and families, who dress up and tour houses as guisers. Unlike the blackmail of 'trick or treat', guisers must perform to receive a reward, telling jokes or singing songs before receiving a sweetie, which could be nuts, apples, or nowadays chocolate and sweets.
