From The Complete Victorian Halloween page:
"The tradition of 'trick-or-treating' lies in the English traditions of early All Souls' Day parades. During the festivities, the poor would beg for food, and be given pastries called 'soul cakes' in return for their promise to pray for a family's dead relatives. The distribution of soul cakes was encouraged by the church as a way to replace the ancient practice of leaving food and wine for roaming spirits. The practice was referred to as 'going a-souling' and was eventually taken up by children who would visit the houses in their neighborhood and be given ale, food, and money."
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