Halloween: It's not just for the kiddies

When someone shouts "trick-or-treat," chances are images of children dressed as ghouls and goblins come to mind, along with memories of one's childhood adventures.

While Halloween is generally seen as an opportunity for the grade-school set to engage in a community-endorsed form of holiday mischief when they arrive home armed to the teeth with enough sugary treats to make any dentist cringe, there is a growing sentiment that Halloween is not just for children anymore.

It's for grownups too -- and many members of the UW community intend to make the most of this festive night.

"Halloween is the greatest holiday ever for selfish college kids," said junior Sarah Lance. "There are no obligations, you don't have to hang out with your family or buy gifts. It's just an excuse to be silly, hang out with your friends and get drunk."

Though it may seem odd that so many adults embrace what has typically been labeled as a children's holiday, many students argue they have just as much a right to partake as children.

"I think Halloween is popular with adults because it gives grownups a chance to let their hair down, let go of the everyday mundane and just party," said Sonyong Yu, the advertising director of Display and Costume at Northgate Mall. "After all, what is Halloween but a chance to party, with all the blood and gore thrown in?"

A 2005 National Retail Foundation survey found that 73 percent of adults intend to participate in some form of Halloween activity, up from 65 percent in 1998. This equates to big money for businesses, which rake in dollars as costume, candy and accessory sales surge.

Originally, Halloween combined the Christian commemoration of the faithful departed, called All Saints' Day, with the Celtic feast celebrating the end of summer and the Celtic New Year. It was regarded as the night when the gates of the netherworld were temporarily opened and spirits freely roamed the Earth.

Today the holiday is an excellent opportunity to abandon one's normal identity and assume a new one. With the vast array of creative costume choices available, there are options for everybody who wants to celebrate. This year's most popular choices include Darth Vader, Batman and Harry Potter, Yu said.

"It's the one day of the year when girls can dress like sluts and it's completely socially acceptable," said freshman Stephanie Kong, who intends to dress up as a "naughty nurse." Kong said she is intending to pursue nursing as her major.

Others said they want to celebrate the holiday without elaborate costumes or organized activities. Junior Cody Holm said he's just going to go with the flow.

"I'm not really sure what my plans are just yet," Holm said. "I'll probably end up roaming the streets looking for parties. Party hopping is where it's at."