When you think “Halloween”, what comes to mind?
Is it a fun night to dress up like your favorite celebrity? Is it a night for nostalgic horror movies and candy? Or is it some holiday you wish to have nothing to do with? Or is it just Halloween?
As a kid, I went trick or treating only about two or three times. Halloween for me was just another night, but I always had a costume and bucket of candy. I am proud to say I have kept up that tradition by still purchasing costumes (usually after Halloween and the price is 50% off from its original) and a big bag of candy.
While it may not be a significant deal to me, I was sure there would be people who cherished the day more than others—thus, I began my search.
Halloween can stir up a mix of emotions. There are some like Audrey Brewington, who find Halloween to be something to love forward to.
“Halloween means a lot to me!” she said. “Halloween encompasses community joy and shows how we can all be brought together through just the simple act of passing out candy and treats. It also is a true kickoff to the holiday season!” Well said, Audrey!
There are some, like Dalaisha Childers, who believe “Halloween is for fun, family, and friends. Halloween is a night for parties and movie nights.”
There are, however, other individuals, like Joey Knizner, who don’t particularly find Halloween to be extraordinary. “
“It means less to me now than before high school (i.e., I haven't trick-or-treated since before high school),” he said. “Now it's just a fun day maybe to hang out and eat candy, an excuse to socialize. There are other Halloween/fall traditions I still like, whether it be making pumpkin pies or going to corn mazes.”
Another view of the holiday that’s important to consider is the spiritual, religious, or cultural aspect. When I asked a good friend of mine, Olivia Forte, what it meant to her, she introduced me to Samhain—an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter traditionally celebrated on Oct. 31. It was speculated that during Samhain, the boundary between the living and the spirit world became blurred, allowing spirits to visit the earth. Though it may sound difficult to those like me, many elements from the traditions from Samhain, like costumes and bonfires became a central part of modern Halloween celebrations.
You see, folks, Halloween is a whole lot of things. Halloween is a pagan holiday, a time to be a kid again while eating your favorite candy, a time to see the innocent kids show off their Halloween costumes, but most importantly, it is whatever we want it to be.
So, this Halloween, celebrate Halloween how YOU want to celebrate and remember to be safe! Happy Halloween, MSJ!