Jingnan Wang AND Rachelle Huang
Ghostly cobwebs, grinning jack-o-lanterns, flickering candles and a chilling breeze that sifts
through the multi-coloured leaves... with the arrival of the spooky autumn season comes one of the most thrilling, widely celebrated holidays of the year– Halloween!
As the Halloween of 2024 approaches, what can one expect to find as a student at Iroquois Ridge? Or for the beginners out there... What is this Halloween, exactly? After all, no one would want to be left in the dark during trick-or-treat season. Have no fear (yet)— with the knowledge infused in this article, you’ll know what Halloween is all about and we’ll get you up and running in no time. (From joy and not fear— I hope...) From exploring the origins of the event to a variety of ways to participate, this article is the perfect guide to this phantom-tastic holiday. (impatient readers can scroll to the bottom directly for school activities)
So... where does Halloween come from?
Halloween, celebrated on October 31, has a vibrant history that combines ancient traditions with modern fun! It all began with the Celtic festival of Samhain over 2,000 years ago. Celtic people believed that on this day, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, enabling spirits to roam the earth. And to avoid being recognized by these ghosts, people would dress up in costumes and lit bonfires. As centuries passed, Halloween evolved, blending with Christian celebrations like All Saints' Day. "All Hallows’ Eve" became a festive night of merrymaking, and costumes remained a key element. By the 19th century, it had crossed the Atlantic to North America, where it took on its joyful, candy-filled form. Today, Halloween is a celebration filled with laughter, creativity, and community. Both children and adults enjoy dressing up, carving pumpkins, and most importantly trick-or-treating. With spooky decorations, fun costumes, and sweet treats, it’s a time for everyone to embrace their playful side and the magic of the season.
Some Safety Precautions:
1. No masks or fake weapons are to be brought to school
2. Wear school appropriate costumes (clothes that don't violate the general dress code)
3. Choose safe costumes, props and face makeup
4. Never trick-or-treat alone!
5. When trick or treating, make sure not to disturb any unwilling occupants. If the house's
lights are off or have no apparent Halloween decorations, it is most likely they don't have
any candy to offer.
6. When trick-or-treating, it's a good idea to wear some bright colors or bring some glow sticks for safety- this way, others will be able to see you in the dark
7. Have fun!!!
This year, Iroquois ridge is celebrating with...
Ridge Drama is planning on hosting a Halloween costume contest on Oct 31st at lunch in the theater, there will be prizes and treats and people screaming! Don’t miss this opportunity to jump/get jumped and be creative on your costume, this is the perfect time to express yourself and reveal your true personality (maybe even without being recognized)! Have fun and hope to see you there!
If you're a stay-at-home kind of person, you can always participate by leaving some sweet treats on the front porch. It's a nice, quiet way of brightening someone's Halloween with a little surprise.
If you'd rather have some fresh air and that real Halloween thrill under the veil of the night, you can always go for some classic trick-or-treating– grab your friends and family, don your witch hats and ghoulish cloaks, and you're all set to go knocking on doors after dark!
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