Halloween traditions have been around as long as people can remember, with their festiveness originating in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain – a ritual that celebrates the end of summer and the beginning of the harvest season, involving the lighting of a bonfire to ward off evil spirits.

Although some people might not have a bonfire at their disposal, there are many traditions that make Halloween the jovial season it is today. Here are the top five cherished traditions of this season.

Trick-or-Treating

This is no surprise – it is the most cherished Halloween tradition, after all. There is nothing better than dressing up as pop culture icons and walking from door-to-door in a local neighborhood, carrying nothing but a prop and a plastic bucket. Not to mention, the thrill of ringing a stranger’s doorbell while awaiting the dozens of candies to be dropped in cheap buckets.

As college students, it might be corny now, but it was once an evening ritual everyone looked forward to. It was an excuse to get out of the house on a school night and enjoy the evening with friends and family.

However, trick-or-treating is not just for kids; it is for everyone. There is no age limit to this tradition, regardless of people’s opinions. Go to some of the best neighborhoods with friends, connect with that inner child and collect dozens of candies.

Halloween Parties

At one point, many students thought they would grow out of playing dress up, but honestly, it evokes a sense of empowerment, channeling the energy of the figures they choose to dress as. What better place to dress up than at a Halloween party?

Some individuals might not be party animals, but it’s something to consider experiencing at least once. Release those inhibitions, dress up as a popular icon and bring friends along for the ride, whether it’s at a college party or a themed bar. It’s a fun social activity that allows people to strengthen the bonds with those around them and create new memories.

Sometimes, it’s best to let loose and be silly now and then. Take a break from those daily activities, slip into that Starfire costume and have fun!

Pumpkin Patch

What better way to celebrate the spirit of autumn than by visiting a pumpkin patch? Being a full-time student can be exhausting and mentally draining, but connecting with nature is the cure to lowering those stress levels.

Pumpkin patches offer a variety of hands-on activities, including petting zoos, corn mazes, hayrides and, most importantly, pumpkin picking. Why settle for a low-quality pumpkin from the grocery store when a pumpkin patch provides dozens of fresh ones?

Pumpkin patches also offer fun experiences, allowing quality time with friends and family while also connecting with other community members through seasonal activities. Those that haven’t visited a pumpkin patch before, shouldn’t miss the chance. The great pumpkin might be nearby!

Visiting Haunted Mazes

Confronting fears at a haunted house or maze might be the last thing anyone wants to do. It evokes an understandable feeling of uneasiness because it’s not something that people can pause by using a remote or closing a book.

Although it would feel safe to press pause and put a bookmark on that chapter, no one can’t hide from fear forever. Face those fears and allow that adrenaline to surge through those veins. Be open to new possibilities and navigate through the eeriness of these mazes with loved ones. Buy that Horror Nights or Dark Harbor ticket and scream it all out. It is Halloween after all, and everyone is entitled to one good scare!

Halloween Movie Marathon

If others prefer to stay inside and protect themselves from the evil entities lurking out in the dark, then at least microwave a bag of popcorn and turn on some scary flicks. What makes watching scary movies at home so exciting? Well, it’s a mixture of many things.

Not only is it taking place in the comfort of one’s own home, but it’s the safest way to confront fears and get an adrenaline rush all remotely. It also brings a sense of relief knowing that the jumpscare that was once feared has ended, but it isn’t officially over till those credits roll. And once those credits appear on screen, the dopamine will finally kick in, knowing those lunatics lurking outside can’t get in.

If that’s not enough, invite a friend or two over for a little marathon and share these moments. Life is always better when friends stick together. Embrace the Halloween spirit and enjoy the thrill, but double-check those locks! Horror icons like Michael Myers have their ways of breaking in.

For information about upcoming Halloween events at CSUN, visit their events website