By Ralph Parcon
Nearly a month after their arrival, this year’s group of Japanese ELS students are slowly getting used to life in the United States. However, they have also been excited for the celebration of Halloween.
Halloween was initially a Christian celebration originating from Ireland and Scotland that has since spread throughout not only the Western World of North America and Europe, but also to regions such as South America, East Asia, and Oceania.
Today, it is celebrated in English-speaking countries as common activities include trick-or-treating, haunted house attractions, and pumpkin carving.
Several of this year’s ELS students had begun attending activities on campus in the lead up to Halloween such as the “Slashback to the 90s” dance.
Hosted by the Black Student Union (BSU) Club on Oct. 30, the event took place in the Social Hall from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. where many ELS students experienced what dance parties are like in America.
The next day, on the evening of Halloween, several of them were taken out for a fun night of trick-or-treating as part of an informal event organized by Buddies Beyond Borders, a club dedicated to building connections between local and exchange students.
Around 30 individuals departed from campus at approximately 5 p.m., but eventually split up into two groups of about 15 since it would not intimidate the houses giving out candy.
“It was my first time experiencing Halloween like this and that it was a fun to celebrate,” said Mei Doi, who is from Osaka.
Since Japan is a primarily Buddhist and Shinto country, Halloween is not often celebrated there.
Shion Sakamoto, who is also from Osaka, said, “I was very happy and surprised to experience Halloween for the first time in America. In Japan, it is unthinkable that so many strangers would visit my house, and I was surprised that they would give me candy for free.”
After two-hours of trick-or-treating, the students thought the experience worth it. Not only did they gain lots of treats including full size candy bars, but they also walked away with fun memories and experiences that they will always remember.
rparcon@my.dom.edu
