The International Illini and the Cosmopolitan Club came together to sponsor the Halloween party. The scene was filled with a variety of costumes. There were cross dressers, cowboys, fairies, and many more. With plenty of people in attendance and plenty of treats for all, the event can certainly be called a success, but why did we choose Halloween to celebrate?
Halloween is a unique holiday. People dress up in crazy costumes, eat as much candy as they can handle, and generally act crazy for no particular reason. Originally, Halloween was a day to honor the dead. Many different cultures and religions have different versions of Halloween. The American version is based a lot on traditions. Dressing up in costume is a tradition that goes back to when people believed that the dead could come back to earth on Halloween night. The idea was that the ghosts could not recognize you if you were dressed as another ghost. Trick or treating is another tradition with a past. People once thought they could keep ghosts away from their house by placing food outside the door. Also, the poor used to receive “soul cakes” for promising to pray for a family’s dead relatives. These two backgrounds both evolved into what we now know as trick or treating when kids get dressed up and visit houses for candy.
Halloween is a time to remember when people were a bit more scared of the world of the dead than most people tend to be now. It gives us a chance to show our creativity through our different costumes. Plus, you can never go wrong with offering people candy. So, if you came to the party we are glad we had you with us, and if you didn’t, we hope to see you next year because the party is bound to be even better.
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| Sheila Khalib, Kimiko Nakayama, and Luiza Ilie in their Halloween costumes | Ana Maria Popa is transformed for the Halloween party | Moussa Kone with his feathered mask |