WHHS students are geared up and ready to celebrate one of the most popular American holidays: Halloween. Students show their excitement as Oct. 31 draws near.
“I can express myself more without being judged,” Lili Myer, ‘27, said. “Pumpkin spice and sweaters and things like that, [fall] just makes me happy.”
Halloween has a rich history, dating all the way back to over 2000 years ago. While it was once a Celtic tradition where they lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off evil spirits, it has turned into a good-spirited, community-centered holiday with street-lining trick-or-treaters. Although, the holiday has so much more to offer than just candy.
“I always go to the pumpkin patch with my parents, and I like carving pumpkins with my mom,” Darcy Hughes, ‘28, said.
Many students agree Halloween is the perfect way to spend quality time with friends and family. It can foster a greater sense of community within neighborhoods—whether it’s a small gathering, sharing treats or simply exchanging greetings.
“[My neighborhood] usually has a circle and we gather all our candy and have one certain spot where you just can pick out a bunch,” Malak Alrefai, ‘29, said. “…We have a bonfire and it’s really fun.”
While Halloween can be full of loving memories, it’s known much better for its spooky surprises and haunted qualities.
“We make a haunted house at our house and try to scare our friends every year,” Joaquin Alcantara, ‘29, said. “…[My friends] are getting older now, and a lot of them don’t get as scared as they used to.”
Halloween is a special holiday that anyone can celebrate. Whether you’re into spooky or lighthearted activities, there are so many ways to have fun.
As students get older, some feel pressured to transition to more mature holiday customs, leaving behind the costumes and candy in the process.
“You can still celebrate [Halloween] when you’re older,” Alcantara said. “You can watch a movie with your friends or have a party; you just don’t have to trick or treat. You can still do fun stuff.”
Hugh Moohart, ‘28 suggests that aging shouldn’t stop the fun.
“You can incorporate one of those electric wheelchairs into a costume if you get too old to walk,” Moohart said.