Halloween fun is rooted in history – Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada

By Christian Muniz

College of Southern Nevada students are making plans for Halloween, some with a nod to the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain.

The origins of Halloween date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in Ireland, the UK and northern France, celebrated their New Year on November 1, according to History Channel on A&E. Late October marked the end of the summer harvest and the start of a cold, dark winter, a time of year often associated with human death. On October 31, during the festival, it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to Earth. The Celts lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off these ghosts. This was the beginning of the traditions we celebrate today.

CSN student Michaela Briggs said: “I’ve loved Halloween since I was younger: I absolutely loved it. One of the earliest memories of Halloween – maybe 2004 or 2005 – was looking outside in my childhood neighborhood and seeing so many kids dressed up and going from house to house. It was so lively and fun. Briggs doesn’t dress up anymore but enjoys hanging out with her nephew.

CSN student Serenity Logan said: “I remember one year in elementary school, I dressed up as Hannah Montana. The wig was so itchy; I didn’t want to wear it for so long. I was thrilled to dress up as one of my favorite characters.

Edher Aldaco, CSN student, said, my friends and I get dressed and go to the bar hoping for the night or we have a Halloween party where we dress up. Her favorite memory was her whole family dressed up as “The Incredibles”.

According to a press release from the National Confectioners Association, 93% of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween this year.

Others head to haunted houses.

Freakling Bros. The Las Vegas tradition began over 40 years ago to stage the spookiest haunted houses with live actors, not animatronics. “It’s time to start haunting again…this Halloween season.” We’ll stay with you long after you’re gone and live with you for years, in the dark recesses of your mind and maybe even in your bedroom closet,” according to its website.

“Every year my group of friends and I try out a new haunted house,” said CSN student Morgan Athanas. “I love the excitement and energy that comes from queuing to be scared. We try a new one every year and it’s always fun to see other reactions.

Some students prefer to stay home. Logan said she loves watching horror movies and eating sweets.

According to TimeOut, some of the best Halloween horror movies include: ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’, ‘Poltergeist’, ‘The Shining’ and ‘Trick r Treat’.

Many pagan customs still exist such as bonfires to ward off evil spirits and gatherings in the dark. Find fun Halloween celebrations by clicking this link Halloween in Las Vegas 2022 | LasVegasHowTo.com.