Practiced On

Halloween

Country of Origin 

Center Point, Alabama

Similar/Related Traditions:

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

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Similar to Trick-or-Treating but candy is handed out from decorated car trunks in a group setting rather than houses

-Used as an alternative due where crime makes it dangerous to Trick-or-Treat

Brief Bio

This annual tradition was begun in the 1990s by Christian Churches and their associated groups as a "fall festival" for an alternative to trick-or-treating in churches. 

Though Halloween (All Hallow's Eve) and its religious observances originate in the Christian tradition, being apart of the season of Allhallowtide, certain parents have expressed concern about modern-day revelry in its popular celebration, such as the gore that has become associated with it in the latter part of the 20th century.

 Additionally, trunk-or-treating avoids street crime or car danger that may be associated with normal trick-or-treating. While trick-or-treating involves going to homes or buildings to receive candy, trunk-or-treating is associated with candy being handed out or served from the trunks of decorated vehicles.

The etiquette of trunk-or-treating has led to the tradition also being called "Halloween tailgating", after the practice of handing out or serving candy from the trunks of vehicles. Trunk-or-treating has become increasingly popular in the 21st century since originating from Center Point, Alabama, where the first such event was initially held. Some churches and church leaders have seen the popularity of Halloween celebrations as an opportunity for religious and cultural engagement with the Gospel. Apart from Christian churches, cities or other community groups have sponsored trunk-or-treat events.