By Kamarya Buckley, Staff Writer
Halloween took place on October 31; the grand finale of students excitement for festivals, parties and even trick or treating. It originated in ancient Celtic tradition as a way to ward off ghosts. It was a way to welcome the end of the summer harvest. Part of the tradition was lighting bonfires and wearing costumes. Now it is celebrated as a holiday for children to trick or treat and ask if they want someone to smell their feet and give them something sweet to eat.
Some teens celebrate Halloween by going to a party or taking a sibling or a child trick or treating, maybe even going to a festival. Andrea Perry, a Junior expressed “I am excited to go to the Field of Screams, but I really wanted to go to Fright Fest, but it is far and expensive.” Field of Screams and Fright fest are both Halloween events that focus on the scary aspect of the holiday more than the sweet treats, it’s like a festival commemorating the holiday. Sophomore Gilda Babilah said, “I was planning to go to the Field of Screams with my friends, but it is 35 per person. I look forward to all the Halloween parties though.” Diamond Jade vocalized, “My mom asked me to take my little cousin trick or treating, so I’m going with her.”
Many people do not celebrate Halloween. Due to religious reasons, they may not celebrate the day but still participate in it. These individuals avoid celebrating Halloween due to its origins. Junior Bethel Bruk vocalized, “My mom taught me that halloween was the Devil’s birthday.” Blen, a sophomore, voiced, “Due to our religion… We don’t believe in dressing up for the devil.”
It was easy to forget that Halloween was fast approaching, but it’s one of the first celebrations in fall. Miera Vaughn, a junior, exclaims “I am actually so excited for Halloween and I am going to dress up as Spiderman and go to 3 parties.” Many people are looking forward to the scary but exuberant celebration.