By Jennifer Chu
October 31: the time of year when ghosts, goblins, and zombies awaken and roam the Earth. Children dress up and go door to door, shouting “trick-or-treat.” Houses are decorated with cobwebs, eerie music, and craved pumpkins. Today Halloween is celebrated with haunted houses, costumes, and candies, but back then it was different.
Halloween originated from a Celtic festival called the Samhian, which was a celebration to mark the end of summer and beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on Oct. 31, the dead would return to earth and cause chaos. Many bonfires were built to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the gods. The Celts would also wear costumes to appease and mimic the evil spirits. The celebration ended when the fire is re-lit, which was extinguisher before, to help protect them from the winter.
Every year, to celebrate Halloween, children dress up and go treating-or-treating. This activity is popular during the holiday due to the free candy that is given out. Halloween is a holiday celebrated by everyone but is there an age limit for trick-or-treating?
“Halloween shouldn’t be limited by any age. Whether you’re six, 16, or even 60 its great to enjoy life as it is and just be a kid sometimes,” said Michelle Truong (’15). “I don’t think high school is too old to enjoy the spirit of Halloween.”
“You can never be too old for trick or treating. You can be the trick or treater or be the candy distributor. It’s a fun time for all,” said Kimmy Dovan (’16).
“I think it is up to the person to decide when they are too old to trick-or-treat, but I think most people stop in high school,” Stacie Higgins (’16).
