The JuntoHalloween 2019

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Just like Trick-or- Treat

...a day late.

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According to BU Today, Americans are expected to spend 9.1 billion this year on Halloween supplies, such as candy, costumes, and decorations. As a matter of fact, one quarter of all the candy sold in a year has been purchased for Halloween. The real ques-tion is how this eminent tradition came about?

Mainly, the tradition derived from Celtic paganism in the British Isles and the feast of Samhain, based upon Regina Hansen’s studies, a researcher on the supernatural and literature. This feast occurred in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and some areas of Brit-ain. Christianity also influenced the Halloween traditions. Novem-ber first is considered the celebration for Saints and October thirty-first was the Eve of Saints called, “All Hallows’ Eve.” 

The American version of Halloween evolved during the time of the thirteen colonies. The ideals and traditions of the Europeans and American Indians combined to make up what Halloween is today.  An All Souls Day confection called, Soul cakes influenced the beginning of trick-or-treating. In England, poor citizens would give the community soul cakes in return for prayers to their dead

relatives. In the late 1800s, the idea of Trick or Treating evolved even more.  The holiday became geared more towards children. Consequently, Halloween began to shed its religious connota-tions in the twentieth century, although still remains a divisive sub-ject in some communities.

The 1920s and 1930s sparked the Halloween party and get to-gether celebration tradition. Communities would organize pa-rades and parties. Later, the Baby Boom influenced the interpreta-tion of Halloween. Since more of the women population were hav-ing babies, Trick-or-Treating was seen as an inexpensive way for children to share and receive candy. From the Baby Boom till now, Halloween has advertised itself to be the second most sig-nificant commercialized holiday. 

No matter how you celebrate, if you celebrate, Halloween has be-come a big business for costume shops and candy makers alike. Either way, it’s a fun way to usher in the “Holiday Season!”

Haunted History: Halloween

Points of View The Junto Halloween 2019

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.

Six Sentence Horror StoriesStudents from Miss Hudak’s creative writing classes took inspiration from

Stephen King and wrote their own (very) short stories.

As I lay in a ditch somewhere deep in the woods, cold, stiff, and broken, my mother’s words are on the tip of my tongue. Breathing is difficult, the light is slipping away, my school uniform is torn, and I cannot move. “Don’t take candy from strangers,” finally comes to me.

- Gabriella Feltman

When I heard scratching in the walls, I sus-pected rats. It was my fault, really, that they were there. I should have realized the bodies would attract them.

- Gabriella Feltman

In front of me a leathery, wrinkled figure that seemed to be made up completely of dislocated joints and pointed digits. Between us is its out-stretched hands, one pointing its long and jagged nail toward my lips and the other resting itself on the glass. Behind me is the end of this bottle, a contained vessel where space is finite and yet the sound of screeching glass can echo forever.

- Brian Avila Salazar

He told me, over and over again, that he loved me. Our favorite color was this dark, romantic color, a symbol of our love. It was all over his shirt, splat-tered and artistically spread, while it was all over my hands, angrily from my favorite object.

- Branden Cunard

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  This one is for all you scare-nerds out there. October is that time of year where you gather up a group of your friends, go out on a Friday night, and you somehow end up in a haunted corn-maze. Many people out there, including myself, get that satisfaction and adrenaline from visiting a haunted house, corn-maze, or even an amusement park that has a Halloween event. Six Flags Fright Fest definitely delivers a plethora of thrills and jump-scares.

          Six Flags Fright Fest is an annual nighttime event that allows you to walk around the amusement park, ride the roller-coasters and flat rides, and experience many different areas dedicated to spooky attractions. By the way, I would not rec-ommend this to younger children unless they can handle get-ting “up close and personal” with the actors.

          Located around the park are sectioned off areas that correlate with a certain theme called “Scare-Zones.” You sim-ply cannot take a leisurely stroll without coming upon one of these creepy paths. You have “Carnevil,” which, as you can tell, it themed to a freaky circus. “Demon District,” on top of having deformed demons lurking around every corner, is mostly covered in this green, icky fog. “Lady of the Lake Cemetery,” allows you to walk amongst this eerie mist and come face-to-face with the souls that haunt the lakefront. “Bone Butcher Terror-Tory,” has a simple theme of relating to the western-front. Last, but certainly not least, “The Bloody Fountain” is located on Main Street (the main walkway from

the entrance) is crawling with zombies from the undead that were buried beneath the amusement park. Personally, Carnevil was my favorite of the bunch. The characters and act-ing were so phenomenal and scared the daylights out of me, on top of the realistic makeup and outfits. You cannot escape from the thrills of being creeped out in this park. 

          In terms of attractions that let you walk through them, there was a brand-new addition to the park this year, called “Aftermath.” This was centered around a post-apocalyptic world covered by monsters and radiation-affected people. Without giving too much away, you never know who or what is around the corner. My personal favorite attraction was called “Fears.” This one was the most intense, and by the title of it, the actors and machinery cover the most popular fears that resonate with humans. Spiders, small spaces, creepy china dolls, even clowns stalking you from afar, and then chase you through the rooms. Screaming and yelling in your face, on top of watching fake spiders drop on the person in front of you, can lead to an intense, yet amazing experience. Those are just two of the eight walk-around attractions that Fright Fest offers you, so don’t miss out on this wild event.

          Six Flags Fright Fest was definitely a SPOOKtacular event worth attending. Filled with frights, fears, and fascinat-ing decorations, anyone should make it a priority to attend the park during this time. You won’t regret it.

Six Flags’ Fright FestBranden Cunard ~ POV Editor

The JuntoPlaces Halloween 2019

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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:

The JuntoPoints of View Halloween 2019

Miss. EgbertsHanding Out: Pirates BootyFavorite Candy: Kit Kats Least Favorite Candy: Butterfingers

Mrs. PetersHanding Out: Mixed variety pack of Hershey’s chocolates and fruit snacksFavorite Candy: Reese's Peanut Butter CupsLeast Favorite Candy: Licorice

Mrs. ClarkHanding Out: “Whatever comes in the Giant pack”Favorite Candy: Milky WayLeast Favorite Candy: Dum Dum Lollipops

Mrs. Zimmerman Handing Out: Assorted chocolates (Milky Way, Snickers, & Twix) Favorite Candy: Peppermint Patties Least Favorite Candy: Whoppers

Mr. SpinaHanding Out: Variety pack of Crunch Bars and Gobstoppers Favorite Candy: Kit KatsLeast Favorite Candy: Nutter Butters

Dr. Wascura Handing Out: Dum Dum Lollipops or SmartiesFavorite Candy: Butterfingers Least Favorite Candy: Black Licorice

Mrs. Soffera Handing Out: Pack of mini Snickers, Twix, and Milky WayFavorite Candy: Smarties and Sweet Tarts Least Favorite Candy: Peppermint Patties

Mrs. MyersHanding Out: Keystone chips or candy with a toothbrushFavorite Candy: Fifth Avenue BarLeast Favorite Candy: Mr. Goodbar

Miss. HudakHanding Out: Variety pack of Hershey’s candyFavorite Candy: Classic Hershey Chocolate BarLeast Favorite Candy: Smarties or any chalky candy

Mrs. DaoudHanding Out: Mixed variety pack of chocolate, Starbursts, and Swedish FishFavorite Candy: Swedish FishLeast Favorite Candy: Candy Corn

“Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet,” This is What Our

Staff likes to Eat

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The Junto Halloween 2019Points of View

We Know What Talking About

Ah, Halloween-the dream day of most children. This is the holi-day that consists of a crisp fall night where you can play dress up, run around the decorated streets of your neighborhood with your friends, and receive free treats from your neighbors. In fact, many kids consider the candy aspect of the day to be the best part. Millions of dollars are spent on candy each year. Alongside the jack-o-latern and the ghost, candy is practically Halloween’s mascot. Reese’s peanut butter cups, Hershey’s Bars, Jol-lyranchers, Starbursts, Whoppers, Twizzlers, Snickers- these are just a few of the favorite candies on the last day of October. How-ever, what about the non-candy treats? How did you feel when a bag of Halloween-themed pretzels or chips were placed in your plastic pumpkin? There are many opinions on this very impor-tant and controversial subject.

Many trick-or-treaters are candy junkies. When they don their costumes and head out into the October night, they are seeking one prize-candy. To them, at least on Halloween, pretzels are

tasteless flour and water twists, chips are greasy potato slivers, and popcorn cowers in the shadow of chocolate bars; candy is the star of the show and the sole coveted prize on Halloween night. To others, while candy is highest on the pedestal, snacks like pretzels, chips, and juice boxes are useful to fuel while trick-or-treating or to pack in lunches. The Halloween-shaped pretzels are festive and chips can be treat. To many, while snacks are no candy, they serve a purpose.

Still others are savory-lovers who enjoy a few pieces of candy on Halloween night but welcome pretzels, and chips even more so. Their candy sits in the closet while Halloween pretzels and Lay’s Chips are snacked on and thrown in lunches.

There are two ends of the spectrum-the kid’s who will eat candy until their teeth rot, and those who enjoy salty snacks more than candy. What side are you on?

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!

Mallika Pal ~ Contributing Writer

Teal is the New Orange

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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.

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.

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.

Points of ViewPoints of View The Junto Halloween 2019

Children’s Books

Teen Books

Adult Books

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.

What’s on the Bookshelf?

Kellie Painter ~ Places Editor

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The JuntoPoints of View Halloween 2019

Ally Fuller ~ Editor-In-Chief

The Ally Angle

I was never really a fan of horror movies when I was younger. I guess not many children are. On occasion, my friends would decide they wanted to watch a horror movie and I would just quietly excuse myself from our hangout. I just never understood the appeal of inten-tionally scaring myself, that was all, and for the longest time I avoided horror movies like the plague. Honestly, I guess you could say I was scared of being scared.

That changed, however, somewhere around a year ago. It must have been close to Halloween-- at the very least, it was fall and school was in session. I was sitting on my back porch one night doing homework and my dad turned the TV on. The 1978 Halloween movie came on and my dad settled in to watch it. I, being too lazy to leave my spot on the porch, decided to suck it up and just watch with him. I was ob-sessed. As the suspense grew and one character after another faced impend-ing doom, I could feel my adrenaline kicking in and I found myself on the edge of my seat-- equal parts fright-

ened and exhilarated. After that, I started searching for horror movies left and right. I filled my DVR up with mov-ies that were airing on TV in the coming weeks, I scoured Netflix for all the clas-sics it offered, and I began searching Youtube for scenes, trailers, anything I could find that would give me the same edge-of-my-seat feeling.

I’ve come to realize, though, that horror movies have changed quite a bit over the years. With the evolution of technol-ogy, these movies are a lot more de-pendent on visual effects and CGI than movies were thirty or forty years ago. I actually find myself preferring the older movies as opposed to the more recent ones. With movies like Halloween, Scream, and The Shining, there aren’t as many realistic graphics and crazy stunts; however, the success of these movies rely more on factors that we, as an audience, often don’t even think twice about-- the acting, the music, and the different camera shots that are spliced together in precise timing. That’s not to say that these things aren’t important in modern day horror films as

well, but it’s a lot easier to balance out some imperfections in a film with the help of terrifying visual effects that just weren’t possible even a decade ago. One comparison I can make is between the 1978 Halloween movie and the 2018 version. Both feature many of the same characters, and the leading lady is the same in both movies, but there is so much technology infused throughout that it distracted me from what was ac-tually happening.

For me, horror movies are scary when they become relatable-- when I can really believe the story I’m watching so much that I almost feel it. It’s a very hu-man experience. Personally, when Pen-nywise shows up in the sewer grate in It, I don’t stop to think twice because I don’t believe that an evil spirit will take the form of a clown and stalk me and my friends for twenty-seven years. But when Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), from Scream, is in the school bathroom and catches glimpses of the masked serial killer in the mirror, my blood runs cold and that, to me, is what fear feels like.

Horror Movies: Past and Present

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Dia De Los Muertos - The JuntoPoints of View Halloween 2019

Rachel Arzoumanian ~ Copy Editor

The Day of the Dead  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.