Practiced On

Halloween (Scottland and Ireland beginning in the 16th Century

Country of Origin 

Medieval Ireland and England

Similar/Related Traditions:

Trick-or-Treating, Mumming, Souling, Trunk-or-Treating, Calaveritas

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Samhain tradition where Irish and Scottish adults and children would dress up to ward off evil spirits while going to neighbors' houses to receive treats in exchange for song and dance performances.

- Precursor to Trick-or-Treating

- Essentially Trick-or-Treating without the tricking

Brief Bio

Guising is the Scottish and Irish custom of dressing up in disguises and visiting neighbors' houses at Halloween to receive treats, a tradition that is the origin of trick-or-treating. Originating from the ancient pagan practice of Samhuinn, which involved wearing masks to scare away evil spirits, guising evolved into a festive activity where costumed children performed songs or tricks in exchange for food and money.