Z Notes Blog by Jim Zumwalt
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American Holidays: Halloween

Oct. 30 - As I was growing up in Southern California, one of my favorite holidays was Halloween. In America, on the evening of October 31, children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door in their neighborhoods ringing the door bell and then shouting "Trick or Treat" at the person who answers. Here are some Halloween in America facts and figures.

When I was growing up, we never had to carry out our threat to play a trick on someone, because they always gave us a small treat - usually a piece of candy. Indeed, most of the houses we visited seemed delighted to see so many children come to their doorsteps. We in turn were happy to receive so much candy. When I was very small, usually my two sisters and I would walk around our street accompanied by my father. As we got older, we preferred to meet our school friends to engage in this ritual.

Nowadays, many American parents purchase store-bought costumes for their children, but when I was growing up, most children made their own costumes - often assisted by their parents. When I was in elementary school, my mother, who is very creative, usually helped me make my costume.

This photo taken in 1963 shows my two sisters and me in our yard. We are dressed in our costumes and ready to go out into the neighborhood. My elder sister and I are dressed up like elves, and my younger sister Barbara, with her pink costume and homemade mask over her head, is the Cheshire Cat from the book "Alice in Wonderland."

Until next time,

Jim

See Halloween 2009 at the White House.

COMMENTS

Dear Mr. Zumwalt,

When I was at SUNY, I lived with an American family. A daughter of theirs invited me to join in the Trick or Treat. I wore a Japanese kimono, visiting around the neighbors saying "Trick or Treat." Your blog reminds me of those sweet old days in the U.S.

Love,
Kuniko Yamda

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