As the popularity of Halloween grows every year - from
supermarkets offering gory produce to pumpkin-carving and fancy-
dress parties - Debrett's has developed an invaluable set of
etiquette guidelines for Halloween. With origins in Celtic
paganism, Halloween originated as a festival marking the end of
summer. Celebrated in Ireland, Wales and Scotland, celebrations
involved lighting bonfires to ward off malignant spirits, while
children went from door to door disguised as creatures from the
underworld to collect treats. Immigrants from the British Isles
took the custom to North America. Turnips transmuted into
pumpkins and the 'trick or treat' custom became more prominent.
With the help of Hollywood and a host of horror films, Halloween
has become entrenched in popular culture. Debrett's - the modern
authority on etiquette and manners - has provided some etiquette
tips for Halloween trick or treaters: - "Trick or treat?" should
be used as an ice-breaking formula, not a real threat. Halloween
fun should never f