You and your friends walk up to a home, pillow cases in hand. Orange and purple lights illuminate spider webs, with a lone spider hanging on the bushes. The sound of ghosts swishing around causes the hairs on the back of your neck to stand straight. Bats spread along the trees, with purple glow-up eyes glinting in contrast with the dark night sky. As you walk up the front steps, you see a plethora of pumpkins, exhibiting designs as simple as a pair of eyes and as complex as a skull. Brrrring! Footsteps scurry across the hallway at the sound of a doorbell. As the door is thrown open, you yell, “Trick-or-treat!”
This very scenario has been experienced countless times by a multitude of students, all from different religions, ethnicities and backgrounds. Halloween, a holiday which originated about 2,000 years ago, is a major part of one’s childhood. Full communities are able to come together and celebrate, throwing parties, giving out candy and dressing up.
In 364 of the 365 days of the year, hearing a doorbell ring at 7 p.m. is usually the cause of annoyance. However, on this one special day, instead of throwing the door open with a huff, many lovingly listen as children tell them a joke and take a handful of candy.
Essential connections with others are often forged during Halloween. Due to the increasing popularity of group costumes, best friends or even family members are able to spend time together brainstorming and creating costumes.
One memorable Halloween, years ago, my friends and I dressed up as Gru’s minions. We went all out, holding Bob’s teddy bear, Stuart’s guitar and Kevin’s sign, the three of us bounded across my neighborhood, laughing at dumb jokes and chewing on delectable candies. By this time, I had lived in my neighborhood for two years. One would think I would know the others who lived in a 500 foot radius from me. However, that night, I discovered five Ladue students, all of whom I had never met before. Had I never gone out and trick-or-treated, I would have been deprived of the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
The tradition of Halloween is vital in connecting with others and making lasting memories. Especially in this day and age, where social isolation is rampant, I implore you to go celebrate on October 31. Whether you decide to throw on a costume, go trick-or-treating, go to a party or simply open your door to eager candy-lovers, take advantage of this opportunity to engage with those around you, and have some fun while you’re at it.
