The impression I got (and this is confirmed by the ever reliable Wikipedia)is that Halloween was ditched as something to celebrate in England and bonfire night celebrated instead. It's only recently (the 1980's according to Wikipedia) that there was a resurgence, and the American style of Halloween celebrations used. Hence it being imported as a tradition.
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wheelybird mreee!,
Tue 31 Oct 2006, 9:52,
archived)
It was resurgent well before the nineties.Edit:(sorry misread your post)
I remember as a student in the mid to late eighties keeping a battery powered water pistol near the front door to soak any trick or treaters who came knocking.
I believe the whole thing was started off in England by US servicemen's families in East Anglia.
(I remember as a student in the mid to late eighties keeping a battery powered water pistol near the front door to soak any trick or treaters who came knocking.
I believe the whole thing was started off in England by US servicemen's families in East Anglia.
F5 F5 F5 Can't be arsed.,
Tue 31 Oct 2006, 9:57,
archived)