Trick-or-treating is a Halloween tradition that dates back to the medieval customs of souling and wassailing. These rituals were designed to bring good tidings to fellow neighbors or even honor the dead.
Somewhere along the way, however, it evolved into the practice of grabbing whatever costume is left at Walmart and begging for bite-sized candy from houses around your block.
Most of the time, someone would be at the door ready to deliver candy to beggars. Sometimes, there would be a bowl sitting out on the porch for kids to take for themselves.
Then, there would be the house surrounded by frightening decorations and creepy people that are way too deep into their characters, also known as the “no, you go first!” house.
Traditionally, these beggars are children, but some teenagers and even adults have a hard time letting go of this pastime.
When asked how old you have to be to stop trick-or-treating, some Pacific students stood their ground and refused to grow up.
“Never,” said senior Misa Nakamura. “Because I’m 22 and I’m going to do it.”
“[You should stop] whenever you don’t have fun trick-or-treating anymore,” said senior Jacob Searle. “You can do it as long as you want. No age limit.”
Others have set a limit to when the festivities should end.
“I’d say like 12 years old,” said senior Irae Hosea. “Because you’re about to hit being a teenager.”
“I’d have to say as soon as you hit high school,” said senior Rudy Sanchez. “The only exception is if you have a younger sibling, then you can still go with them.”
So some students say you’re never too old, while others say there is, in fact, a cutoff point.
Since the students that were interviewed all ended up being seniors, maybe their responses were based on feelings of wanting to stay young even as they prepare to leave Pacific, or of the need to grow up as they ready themselves for the work field.
Or maybe I’m looking too far into it. Maybe they just miss the good times.
Whatever you do this Halloween, even if it’s tricking, treating, or both, make it a good one and don’t get too crazy.
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