It's nearly Halloween! Sugar-induced mania, fake blood and ridiculous novelty songs await!
Oh come on, Halloween can be fun! Whether you have children or are simply a big kid yourself, sometimes the act of getting dressed up, meeting up with friends and indulging in spaghetti 'worms', eyeball-adorned cupcakes and bright green lemonade (perhaps with a little additional tipple?) isn't all bad.
However, don't forget to pick up that bag of party size chocolates or lollies before Friday 31st October! It's likely that you'll have quite a few of the local children knocking on your door and shouting 'Trick or Treat!'. If they come away empty-handed, you may very well end up having to scrape egg off your front door the following day.
But where did the custom of Trick or Treating come from?
The origins of Trick or Treating
The tradition of going from door to door begging for goods and food dates back to the Middle Ages. The practice of souling, during which poor people in Britain and Ireland would sing and pray for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2nd) in return for food on Hallowmas (November 1st) resembles what we now know as Trick or Treating.
Halloween guising was first recorded in Scotland in 1895 and North America in 1911, where people disguised in costumes and carrying lanterns made from scooped out turnips would visit local homes to get cakes, fruit and money. Instead of pledging to pray for the dead, young people would recite a poem, sing a song, tell a joke or perform a 'trick' before collecting their treat.
The earliest known use of 'Trick or Treat' as a phrase in print occurred in Blackie, Alberta in 1927. However, the term did not become widespread until the 30s and 40s, and mainly in the US and Canada. And in the UK, it was not until the 1980s that 'Trick or Treating' was associated with the ritual of going door to door to be rewarded with sweets.
Halloween events in Watford 2014
Of course, Trick or Treating is now an annual ritual for many of our children. But if you want to do more than knock on your neighbours' doors in the hope of coming away with a packet of Maltesers, why not take party in one – or more – of the scheduled Halloween events taking place this year in and around Watford?
Here is a round-up of our favourites...
Murder Mystery Dinner – The Mystery of Dr Syn
A three course meal combined with a haunting murder mystery – what could be better just before Halloween?
Taking place at Watford Colosseum on Wednesday 22nd October 2014, The Mystery of Dr Syn is priced at £40 per person. Come dressed for Halloween and be try to solve the crime as the plot twists, turns and finally unfolds!
Please click here for more information about smugglers, scholars, scarecrows and murder!
Halloween Party at Cassiobury Park
Cassiobury Park in Watford will be playing host to a wide range of ghoulish goings on this Halloween! Come along to the Halloween Party on Friday 31st October 2014 and take a journey to the underworld...
Starting at Cassiobury Park and moving on to Whippendell Woods, you will be regaled with spooky tales about the local area, as well as husky dog rides.
Please click here to discover more... at your peril...
Halloween Quiz Night in aid of Peace Hospice Care
Pit your wits – and your nerves – against other teams at Peace Hospice Care's Halloween Quiz Night at Hunton Park, Kings Langley, near Watford.
In fact, the event is much more than a quiz. Tables of ten are priced at £25 per person and include welcome drinks, dinner, dessert, tea and coffee, and of course, the quiz.
Fancy dress is optional but why not have fun and get 'ghouled up'!?
All proceeds will be going to local charity, Peace Hospice Care. Their events are very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Please click here and get those thinking caps on...
