By: De’Jah Seabrooks, Follow South Jersey Intern
Is Halloween Dead?
This is the question that has been posed all over the internet. The days of going house to house to collect candy or get a friendly scare seem to be over, a victim of the Covid pandemic. It seems the beloved Halloween tradition of children going door to door with big grins and costumes might be diminishing.
An online survey from USA Today showed that a three-fourths majority saw less trick-or-treaters in 2023 than years prior. Numerous accounts online have shown people waiting for trick or treaters to ring their doorbell prompt and ready with their buckets of candy to give out just for no one to show.
Though Halloween may be different from a lot of our childhood memories, the holiday has adapted to the times. There are various new traditions that have been kept alive.
Trunk-or-treat has become a popular and beloved Halloween tradition, especially in the United States, offering a safe and controlled alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating. According to the Asbury Park Press, the tradition can be traced back to the 1990s when churches and community organizations began hosting these events in parking lots, with participants decorating their car trunks with Halloween themes and handing out candy to costumed children.
The appeal of trunk-or-treat lies in its convenience and safety. It allows children to collect candy in a controlled environment without having to venture out into neighborhoods, particularly appealing to families with young children. As a result, trunk-or-treat events have gained significant popularity across the United States, taking place in various locations including churches, schools, community centers, and even businesses.
South Jersey is no exception to this trend. Some places like Gloucester and Hillsborough have trunk decorating competitions that registered participants can win prizes for.
Many churches, schools, and community organizations in these regions host trunk-or-treat events, offering a fun and safe way for families to celebrate Halloween. These events often go beyond candy distribution, incorporating additional activities like games, face painting, and costume contests, creating a festive and memorable experience for children.
Radio personality Steve McKay shared his experience of trunk or treating on WFPG. He expressed how trunk or treated was a huge fix for the typical annoyance that comes with Trick or Treating. No doorbell ringing to startle him or his dogs. The turn out to the Galloway Trunk-or-Treat had around 2,000 attendees, according to McKay. He, like many others, is convinced this is the way to go and will be doing the same for years to come.
There’s another new tradition that’s popping up in recent years that is spreading throughout neighborhoods, literally. According to blogger Mrs Fields, the “You’ve Been Boo’d” tradition is a fun and festive way to spread Halloween cheer in your neighborhood. It’s a simple yet exciting game that involves surprising your neighbors or even coworkers with a spooky gift.
1. Someone “Boos” you, whether it be a neighbor, coworker or friend anonymously leaves a bag filled with Halloween treats, a spooky sign, and instructions on your doorstep.
2. Once “You’ve Been Boo’d,” hang the sign on your door to let others know you’ve been the target of this playful prank.
3. Then pass it on, within a specific timeframe (usually a couple of days), you “boo” two other neighbors in the same manner.
By participating in these traditions, you can spread joy, excitement, and a bit of Halloween magic throughout your community.
Trunk-or-treating and “Booing” have revived Halloween post Covid. Adapting the holiday for participants young and old while making safe and enjoyable environments for all. They provide a safe and enjoyable alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, allowing families and neighbors to celebrate the holiday together while creating lasting memories.
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