[Litotes]

How long has "trick or treat" been a fixture? I mean, in the US the tradition is old, it was there it originated. But elsewhere? How long have they been in youir country? In Norway, it only really started about ten years ago. When I was a child, nobody ever thought about it. First couple of years really few came, and there were no tricks if you didn't have anything (I assume many didn't - took me completely by surprise). Gradually their numbers and assertiveness rose. Last year was the first with fewer visitors than the previous year.

In my neighbourhood nobody cares about the porchlight being lit or not. Do they where you live?

[Slasher1985]

Halloween tradition here: Let's say about 10%. No trick or treat, maybe a few costume parties, definitely shopping themes everywhere to cash in, but nothing on a large scale.

[Topspindoctor]

Originally Posted by Litotes

How long has "trick or treat" been a fixture? I mean, in the US the tradition is old, it was there it originated. But elsewhere? How long have they been in youir country? In Norway, it only really started about ten years ago. When I was a child, nobody ever thought about it. First couple of years really few came, and there were no tricks if you didn't have anything (I assume many didn't - took me completely by surprise). Gradually their numbers and assertiveness rose. Last year was the first with fewer visitors than the previous year.

In my neighbourhood nobody cares about the porchlight being lit or not. Do they where you live?

The holiday actually originated in Celtic Ireland and has pagan roots rather than Christian.

[Time Violation]

None in here

[kinski76]

I wasn't aware of any Halloween 'tradition' in my country. Porchlights? In my neighbourhood it's merely kids' excuse to play dress up and (hopefully) acquire free candy.

[Hian-GOAT]

Nothing

[Litotes]

Originally Posted by kinski76

I wasn't aware of any Halloween 'tradition' in my country. Porchlights? In my neighbourhood it's merely kids' excuse to play dress up and (hopefully) acquire free candy.

Yes, there is no real tradition to speak of here. The outside lights being lit is supposed to signal availability. If it's on, kids are welcome to come knocking. If it's not, then they are not. Or so it has been said. It is not being followed. Everyone around my parts knock on every door, light or no light.

[Litotes]

Originally Posted by Topspindoctor

The holiday actually originated in Celtic Ireland and has pagan roots rather than Christian.

All hallows eve has Celtic origin, but not "trick-or-treating", which was the part I was wondering about.

[Purple Rainbow]

No tradition in the Netherlands.

Here, most kids go round houses singing and asking for candy on November 11th, the name day of saint Martin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin's_Day

[Punky]

Non in here as everyone could guess but we have a Jewish holiday when u need to dress up and drink until u don't remember ur name

[Litotes]

Thanks for replying, everyone. It looks a bit like I suspected. American traditions are more likely to get a foothold in Scandinavia than in the rest of Europe.

[Looner]

Originally Posted by Topspindoctor

The holiday actually originated in Celtic Ireland and has pagan roots rather than Christian.

Indeed. It was a carnival to chase away evil spirits. Funny thing how it's such a big part of Christian America's culture .