Warrior Word

Photo Credits: Pexels

by Declan Bradshaw

Chocolate is a big part of Halloween. From delicious Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to homemade sweets, kids and adults alike love the yummy creations. Furthermore, with the accessibility of individually wrapped chocolate bars, almost anyone can buy some. However, the bond between Halloween and chocolate wasn’t always like this. In fact, at one time, it was nonexistent. So how did this confection come to play such a big role in the culture of Halloween?

Before there was Halloween, there were similar rituals and celebrations, many of which came to play a role in the spooky holiday. More than 2,000 years ago, there was a holiday much like Halloween. Samhain was a Celtic festival where people warded off spirits using big bonfires and scary costumes. On Samhain, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead thinned, which is why it was important to scare off the spirits of the dead who would wish harm to the living. Moreover, during this holiday, the poor would go from house to house, blessing and praying for the residences. For this, they would receive small cakes known as “soul cakes” from the people who lived in the house. This would later evolve into what we call “trick-or-treating”.

Eventually, Christianity started spreading throughout Europe. As Christianity gained prominence, a celebration called All Saint’s Day began. This was a holiday to honor the Christian saints and martyrs. All Saint’s Day was celebrated on November 1st and the day that preceded it was named All Hallows’ Eve and was celebrated on October 31st. All Hallows’ Eve, or “All Hallows’ Even”, served as a day of preparation for All Saint’s Day. Years of informal speech eventually shortened “All Hallow’s Even” into “Hallowe’en”, which then spawned the name of the holiday we know and love today. Ultimately, the Celtic rituals of Samhain combined with the idea of All Hallows’ Eve to create the basis of Halloween. But how does chocolate come into all this?

By the time the 20th century rolled around, this holiday gained much more popularity, especially in the U.S. because of immigration. Neighborhoods would hand out special baked goods or treats. Kids would go door-to-door, having a great time. Sadly, rumors of poisoned treats and dangerous people popped up all over the place, some of which were true. For this reason, less and less kids were seen out and about on account of their parents worrying about their safety. As a result, pranksters used the night of Halloween to commit many acts of vandalism. Their acts would include  smashing windows, sawing down utility poles, overturning cars, and opening fire hydrants. Finally, some cities realized that they have had enough . They got together and tried to organize Halloween. The night of Halloween transformed back into the fun holiday it was before.

After World War II, the birthrate in America skyrocketed. This led to densely populated suburban areas emerging, which made it super accessible for people to get to know each other and organize gatherings. The candy companies saw this opportunity and jumped on it. This led to individually wrapped pieces of candy being manufactured for the first time. These were easier to buy and ultimately made Halloween treats a lot safer than homemade goods. Then came fun sizes, which were perfect for Halloween because of its size and accessibility. Yet, one sweet treat rose above them all. That was chocolate. The flavor and variety of chocolate alone let it dominate Halloween. About 90 million pounds of chocolate are handed out each year in the United States alone. Chocolate is definitely the undisputed champion of Halloween.

Overall, the Halloween holiday has had a very interesting history that chocolate has played and is playing a big part in. From the roots of Celtic and Christian holidays, to the familiar celebration we enjoy today, Halloween and chocolate will always be intertwined indefinitely. Whether you love Reese’s, Kit Kat, or Hershey, don’t forget to add some chocolate to that candy bowl!

Works Cited

“A Sweet Legacy: How Chocolate Became the Star of Halloween” Artisan Chocolates

& Gift Hampers Handmade in Lacock Wiltshire, A Sweet Legacy: How Chocolate Became the Star of Halloween.  Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

“The History of Halloween and Chocolate: How a Spooky Tradition Became Sweet.”

Barkeater Chocolates, 29 Sept. 2025, The History of Halloween and Chocolate: How a Spooky Tradition Became Sweet. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Ives, Marnie. “Why Chocolate Is Given in Halloween? The Spooktacular Tale!” Kron

Chocolatier, Kron Chocolatier, 1 Oct. 2024, Why Chocolate Is Given in Halloween? The Spooktacular Tale! Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Moliner, Cristina. “Halloween Chocolate History: Why Do People Ask for

Trick-or-Treating?” Bombonería Pons, Bombonería Pons, 26 Sept. 2025, Halloween Chocolate History: Why Do People Ask For Trick-or-Treating? Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

Andrewbreen. “How Chocolate Became Halloween’s Sweetest Tradition.” World

Wide Chocolate, 9 Oct. 2026, How Chocolate Became Halloween’s Sweetest Tradition. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

“Halloween: Origins, Movies & Traditions.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks,

25 Sept. 2026, Halloween: Origins, Movies & Traditions.. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.