Ancient Traditional Customs of Halloween

Baking and sharing soul cakes which was a kind of precursor to modern day Trick or treat can also be considered as a traditional custom of Halloween. Groups of poor and impoverished children, used to go door-to-door, collecting soul cakes, offering prayers in return for the dead,  belonging to the giver's friends and relatives. This was called "souling". People impersonated as soulers. Souls themselves were also offered cakes to eat, or the 'soulers'  would act on their behalf. Bun and soul cakes were marked with cross to indicate they were meant for alms.

During souling, Christians would carry the hollowed out turnips representing the souls of the dead.

It was also a practice to lit candles at homes to guide the souls revisit their original homes. People also would light candles on graves, pour milk on the graves and leave food on the table for returning souls.

In 19th century, Catholic families gathered on hills on the night of All Hallows' Eve. All knelt around, one holding a bunch of burning straw, praying for the souls of relatives and friends until the flames went out. This was known as teen’ lay

Enactment of scenes from the lives of the saints was also considered a custom.

In Ireland and Britain, the household festivities included divination, rituals and games intended to foretell one's future, especially regarding death and marriage. Apples and nuts were often used, and interesting customs included  apple bobbing, nut roasting, mirror-gazing, pouring molten lead or egg whites into water, dream interpretation, and others. 

Special bonfires were lit and there were rituals involving them. Their flames, smoke, and ashes were considered to have protective and cleansing powers. In some places, torches lit from the bonfire were carried around homes and fields to protect them.

The festivities also included mimicking mummy and disguising. This involved people going house-to-house in costume, usually reciting verses or songs in exchange for food. It was believed giving food brought good fortune and not giving would bring misfortune.

While some of these customs are considered too mundane or quirky for modern day, many are still followed in their ancient forms. Several cults are prevalent which conserve the culture, values and beliefs of ancient civilizations.