10/26/13
Halloween is mainly just a USA holiday because in Poland the older folks find this celebration offensive. The kids understand it is all about dressing up as someone completely different or someone more eccentric then yourself. Maybe it’s your evil twin that has always been hiding in the back of your head just waiting to break out. Maybe it’s the cartoon character that you idolized as a child. It is only a time to dress up and receive candy from other people. This is not a celebration surrounding awakening the restless souls and demons.
There are popular American movies that give the impression that Halloween is only about crucifying, witches, demons, angels, wizards, and monsters. People in Poland then believe these movies as being the “normal” American thing to do on Halloween which then causes everyone else in the world to become all mixed up. My generation in Poland is now introducing the new tradition of dressing up on Halloween and celebrating with your friends…Meaning- This gives the 18 year olds another reason to party in Poland.
My host cousins, Ania and Monika, are the most thoughtful and sweet cousins! The girls decorated their house with themed decorations like; construction paper pumpkins hanging from the ceiling, a yearn web in the corner, and a scare crow made of their clothes. It was a very festive home and it made me feel like I was back in America at a Halloween Party. Ania’s friends also brought food that was Halloween themed like brain cupcakes and finger cookies. I tried to taste all the gory looking food. The chips were also shaped as ghosts and spider webs. I couldn’t have felt more at home.
Ania’s friends came over all dressed in costumes. Justine was dressed as a psychiatric maniac, Ola was a French maid, Ania was Pocahontas, George and his friend were crazy clowns, and I was the All American Girl. It was true dedication to see them dress up and act out their characters. I wasn’t expecting so much enthusiasm from these kids.
We drank all night, sang some songs (English and Polish songs), and Ania made a funny game for everyone. I ended up having to attempt to lick my elbow in front of everyone. Another girl had to get a pencil in a beer bottle with only using her hips to swing it in. Justine had to eat a bowl of Jell-O in order to reach the penny at the bottom of the bowl. George’s friend had to cluck and act like a chicken. We all laughed and had a really good time. I bonded with more girls and finally got to know Ania’s boyfriend. It was a very fun night.
I can’t thank Ania and Monika enough for their hard work to make me feel more at home especially when I am missing an American celebration. I will never forget this Halloween Party.
Stephanie Raquel
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