help the Halloween party
An older Irish phrase used by children when going door-to-door on Halloween night, equivalent to the North American 'trick or treat'.
Definitions
An older Irish phrase used by children when going door-to-door on Halloween night, equivalent to the North American 'trick or treat'. Instead of threatening a trick, children in Ireland would appeal to the goodwill of neighbours by asking them to 'help the Halloween party' — implying they were collecting sweets, nuts, or coins for a celebration. The phrase reflects Ireland's older Halloween traditions, which predate the commercial American-influenced version that has since largely replaced it.
Back in the 1970s, kids in rural Ireland said 'help the Halloween party' at the door instead of trick or treat.
Comments
(dated, Ireland) Trick or treat.
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