As the porch lights flicker and the doorbell rings on Halloween night, St. Louisans know the routine is a little different here. The costumed caller doesn’t just demand candy; they often have to work for it with a joke!
It’s a beloved local custom that distinguishes our city, much like toasted ravioli or gooey butter cake. But where did this uniquely St. Louis tradition of demanding a “trick” (a joke) for a “treat” (the candy) actually come from?
At Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate, we love the unique culture and community spirit of St. Louis, and the history behind the joke tradition is fascinating:
Rooted in Old-World Folklore
While no single event is perfectly documented, most local historians and folklorists agree the joke-telling tradition has deep roots in the rich immigrant heritage of St. Louis, particularly the Irish influence.
In old Ireland and Scotland, the tradition of “guising” involved people (often children) going door-to-door on Hallowmas or Samhain dressed in costume. Instead of a simple demand for food, they would perform a small “trick”—such as reciting a poem, singing a song, or telling a story or riddle—in exchange for a soul-cake or treat.
A Civilized Trade-Off
As the trick-or-treating custom evolved in America, the “trick” part of the phrase often devolved into actual mischief and vandalism, particularly in the mid-20th century.
It’s theorized that in St. Louis and a few other Midwestern communities (like Des Moines), the simple, non-destructive joke, poem, or riddle was encouraged as a charming replacement. It satisfied the need for a performance—the “trick” component of the exchange—while ensuring neighborhood peace. The joke quickly became the easiest and most fun option for kids to remember.
The St. Louis Spirit
Ultimately, the tradition survived and flourished here because St. Louis embraced it. It turns a quick, transactional moment into a genuine, amusing interaction between neighbors. It gives the homeowner a smile and the child a moment in the spotlight (and an earned piece of candy!).
So this Halloween, when a miniature vampire or fairy princess stands on your porch and delivers a perfectly groan-worthy pun, remember that you are participating in a wonderful piece of St. Louis folklore!
Have a safe and funny Halloween from your neighbors at Susan Brewer Service First Real Estate! Now tell us, “Why did the scarecrow win an award?” 😉
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