Are you looking for a scare? Fright this way!
October 31st is a magical day filled with fright when monsters, witches, and ghouls haunt the streets, searching for sweet treats: Halloween. Children and adults don their creative costumes, transforming into magical characters from their wildest imaginations. Streets are filled with spooky decorations, glowing jack-o’ lanterns, fallen leaves, and a sense of magic as the words “trick or treat!” are shouted into the night. Amidst the playful frights and orange and black decor, there is a sense of joy and memories that will be cherished long after the candy is gone.
Keep reading to learn more about the rich history of Halloween and get first-hand encounters with WVJC staff’s favorite spooky season traditions!
More Than Candy And Pumpkins
The history of Halloween dates back centuries to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where it was believed that the boundary between living and dead was blurred. The Celts believed that on the eve of October 31st, the ghosts of the passes would return to earth, and the living would offer them food in exchange for protection through the upcoming winter. This date would signify the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
As Christianity became widely practiced, Samhain slowly morphed into All Hallows’ Eve, a sacred time for honoring saints and martyrs. Over time, All Hallow’s Eve was transformed into the Halloween we know today. While the church aimed to incorporate pagan customs into a Christian context, many ancient traditions stood fast, resulting in the vibrant blend of traditions known as modern Halloween.
Today, Halloween is celebrated across the world, with each culture having its unique interpretation and traditions that stem from many generations before. Understanding the origins of this frighteningly festive holiday can help individuals appreciate its cultural significance and historical roots.
WVJC Staff Creeps It Real
From pumpkin carving contests to eerie storytelling nights, the staff at WVJC embraces the Halloween spirit with great enthusiasm. These traditions make the spooky season at WVJC a time of laughter, magic, and cherished memories as our staff celebrates the magic of Halloween. Hear from five WVJC team members about their favorite part of the spooky season!
Ammanda Barbina – WVJC Bridgeport Financial Aid Team Member
“My absolute favorite and cannot miss out on Halloween tradition would be going to a haunted house. We typically go to the Weston Asylum every year for my birthday and have been going every year for nearly five years now.”
Heather Myers – WVJC Bridgeport Executive Administrative Assistant
“I love Halloween! It’s my favorite holiday! I like to wear costumes and decorate my house inside and out. I love doing all the scary things like going to haunted houses. My favorite family Halloween tradition is carving pumpkins! My family has a little friendly competition for which one comes out the best.”
Savannah Poyer – WVJC Regional Director of Financial Aid
“On Halloween, we host all the kids, their parents, and my parents for dinner. Then, we get the kids ready and go trick-or-treating in a big group.”
Jonathan Platte – WVJC Charleston Adjunct Instructor
“My favorite Halloween tradition is decorating. I enjoy putting decorations up because I’ve brought some back from Japan with me. I also have decorations inherited from family members. Decorating brings back many good memories.”
Cristina Jarrell – WVJC Charleston Financial Aid Team Member
“I love to make my kids a Halloween-themed dinner each year before we go trick-or-treating. In the past, I’ve cooked green pasta with monster eyes using string cheese (sclera) and black olives (pupils).”
Happy Hauntings From The WVJC Team!
The WVJC team wishes you a happy Halloween full of candy, laughter, and a fright– or two!
If the thought of pursuing your education sends shivers down your spine, fear not—WVJC is here to help make the journey to your new career less frightening! All goblins and ghouls are welcome at WVJC; request information today to get started!