Sairishitha Week #6 - Trick or Treat!
"Trick or Treat!"
Three words we open our doors to hear every year on the 31st of October. And we answer: “Aw, what are you dressed up as?” “I love your costume!” Here, take two pieces!”
Throughout my K-12 education, I would learn about the origins of Halloween in my history classes on Halloween. In the past, in an effort to guard their homes from evil spirits, the Celts would wear costumes and carry lights, resulting in the festival of Samhain. They worried these ghosts were capable of following them into the new year, which began on November 1st, the following day. Eventually, this tradition was replaced by All Saints’ Day by the Christian church in an attempt to Christianize the Samhain festival. The night before All Saints’ Day became known as Halloween, All Hallows’ Eve.
And later, it came to America! Although it does not have an American beginning, its globalization occurred because of the influx of immigrants arriving to the country, bringing their culture and identity, eventually creating the Americanized version of the holiday we know and love.
To this day, every country celebrates a little differently. Meanwhile, America utilizes its mass overconsumption mindset and patriotic fervor to commercialize the event, ultimately resulting in the entire month of October being about Halloween. This evolution of Halloween truly captures how America adapts cultural traditions into its own edition.
My friends and I had to plan our costumes weeks in advance so that all of our items would arrive on time. Outfits that will probably only be worn once. And yet, these costumes are immediately marked down in price right after Halloween ends.
Personally, I like Halloween and the activities that surround it, from going to pumpkin patches, collecting and counting my candy, and watching the same Halloween movies annually. But my favorite part is getting another opportunity to hang out with my friends. This year, after going out, we returned to my house and had a sleepover. The night, accompanied by the hour fallback, was filled with laughter and a midnight snack of Taco Bell.
Different houses. Different costumes. Different candy.
The first thing most people teach their kids is the concept of stranger danger. However, on this one specific day, this rule is disregarded. Quite ironic and confusing to a young child. Alas, we come together as a community on this special evening.
So, although there are aspects of waste in clothing and candy that make me reflect on my choices, the memories that come from it make me glad I am right where I am.
Comments
Post a Comment