The American Halloween tradition of “trick-or-treating” probably date back to the early All Soul’ Day parades in England. During the festivities, poor citizens would beg for food and families would give them pastries called “soul cake” in return for their promise to pray for the family’s dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice, which was referred to as “going a-souling” was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money