The Junto 2019 Just like Trick-or- Treat ...a day late.

1 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 Haunted History: Halloween Pia Mazzella ~ Contributing Writer

We all recognize Halloween for the surplus of candy, crazy costumes and scares, but very few of us stop to consider where these traditions originated. According to BU Today, Americans are expected to spend 9.1 relatives. In the late 1800s, the idea of Trick or Treating evolved billion this year on Halloween supplies, such as candy, costumes, even more. The holiday became geared more towards children. and decorations. As a matter of fact, one quarter of all the candy Consequently, Halloween began to shed its religious connota- sold in a year has been purchased for Halloween. The real ques- tions in the twentieth century, although still remains a divisive sub- tion is how this eminent tradition came about? ject in some communities.

Mainly, the tradition derived from Celtic paganism in the British The 1920s and 1930s sparked the Halloween party and get to- Isles and the feast of Samhain, based upon Regina Hansen’s gether celebration tradition. Communities would organize pa- studies, a researcher on the supernatural and literature. This rades and parties. Later, the Baby Boom influenced the interpreta- feast occurred in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and some areas of Brit- tion of Halloween. Since more of the women population were hav- ain. Christianity also influenced the Halloween traditions. Novem- ing babies, Trick-or-Treating was seen as an inexpensive way for ber first is considered the celebration for Saints and October children to share and receive candy. From the Baby Boom till thirty-first was the Eve of Saints called, “All Hallows’ Eve.” now, Halloween has advertised itself to be the second most sig- nificant commercialized holiday. The American version of Halloween evolved during the time of the thirteen colonies. The ideals and traditions of the Europeans No matter how you celebrate, if you celebrate, Halloween has be- and American Indians combined to make up what Halloween is come a big business for costume shops and candy makers alike. today. An All Souls Day confection called, Soul cakes influenced Either way, it’s a fun way to usher in the “Holiday Season!” the beginning of trick-or-treating. In England, poor citizens would give the community soul cakes in return for prayers to their dead Six Sentence Horror Stories Students from Miss Hudak’s creative writing classes took inspiration from Stephen King and wrote their own (very) short stories.

He told me, over and over again, that he loved me. When I heard scratching in the walls, I sus- Our favorite color was this dark, romantic color, a pected rats. It was my fault, really, that they symbol of our love. It was all over his shirt, splat- were there. I should have realized the bodies tered and artistically spread, while it was all over my would attract them. hands, angrily from my favorite object. - Gabriella Feltman - Branden Cunard In front of me a leathery, wrinkled figure that As I lay in a ditch somewhere deep in the seemed to be made up completely of dislocated woods, cold, stiff, and broken, my joints and pointed digits. Between us is its out- mother’s words are on the tip of my stretched hands, one pointing its long and jagged tongue. Breathing is difficult, the light is nail toward my lips and the other resting itself on slipping away, my school uniform is torn, the glass. Behind me is the end of this bottle, a and I cannot move. “Don’t take candy contained vessel where space is finite and yet from strangers,” finally comes to me. the sound of screeching glass can echo forever. 2 - Gabriella Feltman - Brian Avila Salazar Places The Junto Halloween 2019 ’ Fright Fest Branden Cunard ~ POV Editor

This one is for all you scare-nerds out there. October is that the entrance) is crawling with zombies from the undead that time of year where you gather up a group of your friends, go were buried beneath the . Personally, out on a Friday night, and you somehow end up in a haunted Carnevil was my favorite of the bunch. The characters and act- corn-maze. Many people out there, including myself, get that ing were so phenomenal and scared the daylights out of me, satisfaction and adrenaline from visiting a haunted house, on top of the realistic makeup and outfits. You cannot escape corn-maze, or even an amusement park that has a Halloween from the thrills of being creeped out in this park. event. Six Flags Fright Fest definitely delivers a plethora of thrills and jump-scares. In terms of attractions that let you walk through them, there was a brand-new addition to the park this year, called Six Flags Fright Fest is an annual nighttime event that “Aftermath.” This was centered around a post-apocalyptic allows you to walk around the amusement park, ride the roller- world covered by monsters and radiation-affected people. coasters and flat rides, and experience many different areas Without giving too much away, you never know who or what dedicated to spooky attractions. By the way, I would not rec- is around the corner. My personal favorite attraction was ommend this to younger children unless they can handle get- called “Fears.” This one was the most intense, and by the title ting “up close and personal” with the actors. of it, the actors and machinery cover the most popular fears that resonate with humans. Spiders, small spaces, creepy Located around the park are sectioned off areas that china dolls, even clowns stalking you from afar, and then correlate with a certain theme called “Scare-Zones.” You sim- chase you through the rooms. Screaming and yelling in your ply cannot take a leisurely stroll without coming upon one of face, on top of watching fake spiders drop on the person in these creepy paths. You have “Carnevil,” which, as you can front of you, can lead to an intense, yet amazing experience. tell, it themed to a freaky circus. “ District,” on top of Those are just two of the eight walk-around attractions that having deformed demons lurking around every corner, is Fright Fest offers you, so don’t miss out on this wild event. mostly covered in this green, icky fog. “Lady of the Lake Cemetery,” allows you to walk amongst this eerie mist and Six Flags Fright Fest was definitely a SPOOKtacular come face-to-face with the souls that haunt the lakefront. event worth attending. Filled with frights, fears, and fascinat- “Bone Butcher Terror-Tory,” has a simple theme of relating to ing decorations, anyone should make it a priority to attend the the western-front. Last, but certainly not least, “The Bloody park during this time. You won’t regret it. Fountain” is located on Main Street (the main walkway from 3 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 “Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet,” This is What Our Staff likes to Eat In honor of Halloween and all of the candy we get on this frightful night, we went around and asked some of the most loved teachers in our school three candy related questions. The first one we asked them was “What are you planning on handing out this Halloween?” The second question we asked was “What is your all-time favorite candy?” The final question we asked them was “What is your least favorite candy?” Here is what they replied: Dr. Wascura Handing Out: Dum Dum Lollipops or Smarties Mrs. Zimmerman Favorite Candy: Butterfingers Handing Out: Assorted chocolates (Milky Way, Snickers, Least Favorite Candy: Black Licorice & Twix) Favorite Candy: Peppermint Patties Mrs. Peters Least Favorite Candy: Whoppers Handing Out: Mixed variety pack of Hershey’s chocolates and fruit snacks Favorite Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter Cups Mr. Spina Least Favorite Candy: Licorice Handing Out: Variety pack of Crunch Bars and Gobstoppers Favorite Candy: Kit Kats Mrs. Clark Least Favorite Candy: Nutter Butters Handing Out: “Whatever comes in the Giant pack” Favorite Candy: Milky Way Least Favorite Candy: Dum Dum Lollipops Mrs. Myers Handing Out: Keystone chips or candy with a toothbrush Favorite Candy: Fifth Avenue Bar Least Favorite Candy: Mr. Goodbar

Miss. Hudak Handing Out: Variety pack of Hershey’s candy Favorite Candy: Classic Hershey Chocolate Bar Mrs. Soffera Least Favorite Candy: Smarties or any chalky candy Handing Out: Pack of mini Snickers, Twix, and Milky Way Favorite Candy: Smarties and Sweet Tarts Least Favorite Candy: Peppermint Patties Mrs. Daoud Handing Out: Mixed variety pack of chocolate, Miss. Egberts Starbursts, and Swedish Fish Handing Out: Pirates Booty Favorite Candy: Swedish Fish Favorite Candy: Kit Kats Least Favorite Candy: Candy Corn Least Favorite Candy: Butterfingers 4 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 Teal is the New Orange Mallika Pal ~ Contributing Writer

Did you know that one in every thirteen children has a food allergy? Food allergies are on the rise, and unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to stop it. Even the tiniest amounts of food can be life-threatening for a young child. The worst part is Halloween. Tart can- dies, rich chocolates, and chewy treats are ridden with ingredients that many children are allergic to; peanuts, milk, eggs, and wheat are just a few. It saddens millions of little trick-or-treaters every year. Fortunately, a certain organization was created for this kind of di- lemma. The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization has created the Teal Pumpkin project to raise awareness and promote inclusion for trick-or-treaters with allergies. Teal is the color for food allergy awareness, according to FARE. Participating is simple. Place a teal pumpkin on your front door stoop or porch, or wherever your trick- or-treaters come to receive their goodies. You can paint your own pumpkin teal, making sure it is the correct shade, purchase one in stores, or purchase one online. Next, add your location to the Teal Pumpkin Project map to make others aware that your house is an allergy-friendly zone. If you want to hand out small toys, like glow sticks, stickers, or finger puppets instead, go ahead! Your teal pumpkin can join the thousands of others that are sitting on porches all over the world! We Know What Talking About

Ah, Halloween-the dream day of most children. This is the holi- tasteless flour and water twists, chips are greasy potato slivers, day that consists of a crisp fall night where you can play dress and popcorn cowers in the shadow of chocolate bars; candy is up, run around the decorated streets of your neighborhood with the star of the show and the sole coveted prize on Halloween your friends, and receive free treats from your neighbors. In fact, night. To others, while candy is highest on the pedestal, snacks many kids consider the candy aspect of the day to be the best like pretzels, chips, and juice boxes are useful to fuel while trick- part. Millions of dollars are spent on candy each year. Alongside or-treating or to pack in lunches. The Halloween-shaped pretzels the jack-o-latern and the ghost, candy is practically Halloween’s are festive and chips can be treat. To many, while snacks are no mascot. Reese’s peanut butter cups, Hershey’s Bars, Jol- candy, they serve a purpose. lyranchers, Starbursts, Whoppers, Twizzlers, Snickers- these are just a few of the favorite candies on the last day of October. How- Still others are savory-lovers who enjoy a few pieces of candy ever, what about the non-candy treats? How did you feel when a on Halloween night but welcome pretzels, and chips even more bag of Halloween-themed pretzels or chips were placed in your so. Their candy sits in the closet while Halloween pretzels and plastic pumpkin? There are many opinions on this very impor- Lay’s Chips are snacked on and thrown in lunches. tant and controversial subject. There are two ends of the spectrum-the kid’s who will eat candy Many trick-or-treaters are candy junkies. When they don their until their teeth rot, and those who enjoy salty snacks more than costumes and head out into the October night, they are seeking candy. What side are you on? one prize-candy. To them, at least on Halloween, pretzels are 5 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 What’s on the Bookshelf? Kellie Painter ~ Places Editor My two favorite things are holidays and reading. I remember being in elementary school reading holiday books on the carpet. It was so en- tertaining and it set the mood for the holiday. As I have gotten older that feeling hasn’t changed a bit. I especially love the fall and winter holidays because I can cozy up next to the fire and read a good book. Halloween is no different, the spooky feeling in the air, a good book, and a sweet treat is absolutely perfect. Children’s Books

Skeleton Hiccups By: Margery Cuyler: this book is about a skeleton trying various ways to get rid of his annoying hiccups. A ghost is there to help him along the way.

Froggy’s Halloween By: Jonathan London: Froggy is an accident prone little frog. He is always getting into trouble. In this book he tries to find the perfect costume and along the way there is adventure.

Creepy Carrots! By: Aaron Reynolds: this book is about a bunny that is scared of carrots. Jasper normally loves carrots but now he fears them for an odd reason.

Teen Books

The Halloween Tree By: Ray Bradbury: The novel follows eight friends who are looking for one of their other friends on Halloween night. They find out the truth about Halloween and its history.

The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol By: Kevin Purdy: This novel is based on Dickens’ A Christmas Carol but instead of Christmas it is Halloween. Decimus Croome meets the ghosts of the past, present, and future. This story will send chills down your spine and give you a good laugh.

Shallow Graves By: Kali Wallace: This book is about Breezy Lin who woke up in her grave although she had been dead for a year. She doesn’t remember anything that happened to her but she can spot murders walking around on the streets.

Adult Books

Amityville Horror By: Jay Anson: This book is about paranormal activity in the Lutz household. It led to controversy and lawsuits. The house was supposedly infested with demons.

The Exorcist By William Peter Blatty: This book follows an eleven year old girl who is possessed by de- mons. Two priests are trying to exorcise the demon out of the little girl.

Interview with The Vampire By: Anne Rice: Louis recalls the time he became a vampire. Along the way he makes his friend, Claudia, into a vampire.

6 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 The Ally Angle Horror Movies: Past and Present

Ally Fuller ~ Editor-In-Chief

I was never really a fan of horror movies ened and exhilarated. After that, I well, but it’s a lot easier to balance out when I was younger. I guess not many started searching for horror movies left some imperfections in a film with the children are. On occasion, my friends and right. I filled my DVR up with mov- help of terrifying visual effects that just would decide they wanted to watch a ies that were airing on TV in the coming weren’t possible even a decade ago. horror movie and I would just quietly weeks, I scoured Netflix for all the clas- One comparison I can make is between excuse myself from our hangout. I just sics it offered, and I began searching the 1978 Halloween movie and the never understood the appeal of inten- Youtube for scenes, trailers, anything I 2018 version. Both feature many of the tionally scaring myself, that was all, and could find that would give me the same same characters, and the leading lady for the longest time I avoided horror edge-of-my-seat feeling. is the same in both movies, but there is movies like the plague. Honestly, I so much technology infused throughout guess you could say I was scared of I’ve come to realize, though, that horror that it distracted me from what was ac- being scared. movies have changed quite a bit over tually happening. the years. With the evolution of technol- That changed, however, somewhere ogy, these movies are a lot more de- For me, horror movies are scary when around a year ago. It must have been pendent on visual effects and CGI than they become relatable-- when I can close to Halloween-- at the very least, it movies were thirty or forty years ago. I really believe the story I’m watching so was fall and school was in session. I actually find myself preferring the older much that I almost feel it. It’s a very hu- was sitting on my back porch one night movies as opposed to the more recent man experience. Personally, when Pen- doing homework and my dad turned ones. With movies like Halloween, nywise shows up in the sewer grate in the TV on. The 1978 Halloween movie , and The Shining, there aren’t It, I don’t stop to think twice because I came on and my dad settled in to as many realistic graphics and crazy don’t believe that an evil spirit will take watch it. I, being too lazy to leave my stunts; however, the success of these the form of a clown and stalk me and spot on the porch, decided to suck it up movies rely more on factors that we, as my friends for twenty-seven years. But and just watch with him. I was ob- an audience, often don’t even think when Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), sessed. As the suspense grew and one twice about-- the acting, the music, and from Scream, is in the school bathroom character after another faced impend- the different camera shots that are and catches glimpses of the masked ing doom, I could feel my adrenaline spliced together in precise timing. serial killer in the mirror, my blood runs kicking in and I found myself on the That’s not to say that these things aren’t cold and that, to me, is what fear feels edge of my seat-- equal parts fright- important in modern day horror films as like.

7 Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019 Dia De Los Muertos - The Day of the Dead Rachel Arzoumanian ~ Copy Editor

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrated on November 1-2. It is celebrated wherever there are concentrated Mexican or Latin American popula- tions. It is a blend of the Catholic religion, Spanish culture, and Mesoamerican ritual. Families welcome back their de- ceased loved ones for a brief time and celebrate with food, drink and celebration.

The origins of holiday stem from Mesoamerica and the influence Spanish culture and Catholicism. The Mesoameri- can aspects go back 3,000 years. Ancient Aztecs and other Nahua people living in modern-day central Mexico per- formed rituals honoring the dead. It was believed that the deceased would travel to Chicunamictlan, the Land of the Dead, over a diffi- cut journey of several years. Traditionally, family members would provide their deceased loved ones with food, water and tools, inspir- ing the Day of the Dead ritual in which family members leave food or gifts on graves or makeshift altars in their homes.

In ancient Europe, pagans would have celebrations of the dead in the fall, dancing and feasting around bonfires, and later on, the Roman Catholic Church used similar practices on All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrated on the first two days of November.

Medieval Spaniards would bring wine and spirit bread, as well as flowers and candles (to light the journey of the deceased back to earth) to the graves of their loved ones on All Souls Day. The Spanish Conquistadors brought these traditions, along with their religion, to Mesoamerica.

It is believed that on the Day of the Dead, the world of the alive and the world of the dead collide and the souls of the dead awake to celebrate. Family members honor their deceased loved ones and leave food, decor and offerings at grave sites. They may gather the gravesite to sing, tell stories, and eat. Some people will set up altars in their home to honor the passed. The “symbols” of the Day of the Dead are skulls (calavaras) and skeletons (cala- cas). These symbols are everywhere-in costumes, figurines and decorations. To celebrate this holiday, people wear skull masks or makeup, dress up, adorn graves, eat sugar skulls and coffins (candy in the shape of skulls and coffins), pan de muerto (a sweet yeast bread), spiced hot chocolate, and a liquor called atole. The sweet candy skulls and skeletons are meant to balance the bitterness of death. In Mexico City, Mexico, there is a huge parade featuring colorful costumes, breathtaking floats and decoration, and performances. There are often mariachi bands in cemeteries. The atmos- phere is bittersweet as family members gather in cemeteries at twilight to honor their deceased loved ones.

Today, Dia de los Muertos is recognized as a religious holiday in Mexico and other countries with Latin American populations, and is an important part of Latin American culture.

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