Halloween at LHS
Halloween is one of the most highly anticipated holidays in America. It is celebrated in many different ways like carving pumpkins, watching scary movies, trick or treating, and dressing up in costumes. Getting into the Halloween spirit has always been something that brings people joy during the fall season.
Halloween may be celebrated by many people, however the majority do not know the history of the holiday. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain where people lit bonfires, dressed up in animal fur, and hid to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III dedicated November 1 to honor saints. The evening before was All Hallows Eve and eventually came to be what is now known as Halloween.
Though Halloween is considered American, other countries still celebrate similar versions of it. Junior at Leonia High School, Valeria Palacio Ossa, explained, “In Colombia, the people are really religious so they don’t call it Halloween, instead they call it Angel’s night and celebrate it on November 1st. In the United States, people say trick or treat, but in Columbia, we say ‘We are Angels from the Heavens we come, bringing peace and love’ and then we get candy.”
In order to help raise school spirit, the Student Council at Leonia High School promised exciting events during the week of Halloween. Student Council President Sidney Nam stated, “The Student Council is planning for a spirit week during the week of Halloween so we’ll have fun events each day. Halloween will be ‘wear your costume to school’ day and Friday, November 3rd, will be the date for homecoming.”
Leonia High School is hoping to see many students get into the Halloween spirit and dress up this year. Junior Katerina Romanides said, “I love Halloween. I’m getting a black dress, some cat ears, and maybe wear some tights if I’m really feeling it. Maybe I’ll do a little bit of eyeliner, and my name is Kat. So, guess what my costume is gonna be.”
Students will be given permission to dress up for Halloween in school, however there are still rules that must be followed in order to stay safe. Mr Kalendar commented, “The normal dress code will be in effect and weapons of any sort (real or fake) are strictly prohibited. If they are brought to school, they will be dealt with according to the code of conduct. Costumes may not prohibit a student’s ability to partake in normal classroom instructions (e.g. students must be able to sit in a desk, students must not block/obstruct hallway traffic while in a costume). For safety reasons, masks or makeup should not cover a student’s face in a manner that makes the student unrecognizable, except for medical masks that protect against transmission of COVID-19. Costumes must be in “good taste” meaning no inappropriate or rude costumes are allowed. Administration may exercise their own judgment to determine whether or not a costume is school appropriate.”
Students at Leonia High School were asked for their horror movie recommendations that will keep those who are staying home from school this upcoming Halloween equally entertained and frightened. Senior Aleidy Mejia Diaz replied, “You should watch The Nun. It’s terrifying and so is Insidious.” Additionally, senior Da’mir James noted “Die Hard is good because it’s a multi-genre movie and it’s the best piece of fiction known to mankind.”
Whether or not you choose to celebrate the holiday or the way you choose to do it, Leonia High School wishes everyone a happy (and spooky) Halloween!
Edited by: Katerina Romanides
