Halloween

[macsaid]

I notice on the main mumsnet forum that 'guisers' now seem to be widely known as 'trick or treaters'. When and why did this become so widespread? Does it seem to be the case here in Scotland?

too many americanisms creeping in

that's me off to the mall..

macsaid, don't think they ever used the term "guising" in England though, did they? Think it's exclusively Scots/Irish. I don't know what they called it down south before the spread of "trick or treating". Don't think they made much of Halloween tbh, more Guy Fawkes night.

However, I agree with you totally if you're saying it's a bad thing! My DC are forbidden to go trick or treating, only guising ! They will be prepared with a wee turn - DS has some terrible jokes prepared already - and any children coming to my door expecting sweeties simply for turning up in a costume will get short shrift. They'll be working for their nuts & apples!

I certainly prefer the term 'guising' if only so that it does not disappear into history along with it's associated customs and traditions like the telling of jokes, singing of songs and recitation of poems.
I suppose we have to accept some losses from our language and culture as we embrace the richness of multi culturalism

I am making ds use the term "guising" and am currently nagging him to prepare something for when he goes out and no, surprising them with a squirt from his water pistol is not acceptable even if he is going as the gun toting skeleton detective Skulduggery Pleasant [hgrin]

Love that pretty bird, wee ones seem to love Halloween!

I had a lovely bunch of guisers this year. They even said Thankyou. And were all gone by 8.30pm.

Tell me your tales of Halloween woe!