Debating Halloween etiquette
Posted Oct 31, 2011 10:34:54 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
There is some debate around the correct etiquette for trick-or-treating on Halloween night.
Speaking to people in downtown Dartmouth, there are a few preconceived notions about when door bells should start ringing and who should be at the door.
“I stopped trick-or-treating when I was 12 years old,” one man told News 957’s on Ochterloney Street, Monday. “After 14 they should stay home or go to a dance, because they’re probably out for more trouble than good.”
The exception would be if an older teenager is escorting their younger sibling.
Although some people have the opposite opinion.
“You’re never too old,” said one middle-aged woman wearing orange stockings and gold face glitter.
She said she hasn’t been trick-or-treating in years, but she might go out tonight.
“If you’re dressed up for work, later in the night, after all the trick-or-treaters are gone, you go and knock on your neighbour’s door,” she said.
“Trick-or-treating is a fun time,” said Gregory Edwards, who admits he hasn’t been door-to-door in years.
“I have a lot of friends who dress up at work,” said Edwards. “My church has a little something for the kids. We bring them all there for a safe environment. Give them candy, give them a little scare, tell them some stories, we have a really great time.”
While the debate on how old is too old is still open, home owners have a consensus for what time the trick-or-treating should start and stop.
Door bells shouldn’t start ringing before 6 p.m. and should stop by 9:30 p.m.
