No more humid days. No more hot sun rays. Autumn has arrived. Last Saturday, my mom came into my room and asked me to rake the leaves in my backyard. It finally felt like fall was here. The raking all started a few years ago, around the beginning of fall, when my mom urged my sister and me outside into the unwelcoming cold air. Before closing the door, she told us that raking the leaves could be a fall tradition. It was not difficult to figure out that she was labeling the chore as a sentimental “fall tradition”.
Luckily, some students at Ridgewood High School do not have the same tradition. For many, fall is the season to spend time with friends and family. While interviewing several sophomores, many of them mentioned traditions with their families. Lily Johnson says, “during the fall I put up Halloween decorations with my dad.” Meanwhile, Lia Vaysteans’ tradition is “going apple picking with my family.”
Many of us have traditions unique to our families, but many of us view football games as a fall staple. On Fridays, football games boost school spirit and is a time for members of the community to come together. The games allow students to have fun with their friends and the rest of the student body after a stressful week of school.
One of the best aspects of autumn is the crisp weather. It is perfect for many outdoor activities. The most common autumn traditions in America are pumpkin picking, apple picking, carving jack o’ lanterns, and roasting smores. Senior Katie Hu says, “a tradition I have is going on a hike with my camp friends at Ramapo mountain.” Spending time in nature and enjoying the weather is just one of the many ways to enjoy the fall. Katie’s traditions remind us that something is comforting about disconnecting from our devices and enjoying the outdoors.
America is not the only country celebrating fall traditions. From October 31st- November 2nd, Mexico celebrates its Day of the Dead. This celebration is to honor the dead while still celebrating life. Meanwhile, China is celebrating its Mid-Autumn Festival which brings people together and emphasizes unity. Traditionally, the festival was for giving thanks and prayers to the gods, but now it has become an occasion where Chinese families gather together and enjoy each other’s company.
Though autumn traditions are different for everyone, I have found that all of them revolve around spending time with the ones we love.
Audrey Shin
Staff Writer
Graphic: Nicole Kye