Week-40

Writing/Informative/Culture/Tradition/History

Hellloooooo! Welcome to October of 2025!

To me, October always brings a noticeable shift. The air cools, days shorten, and traditions start to feel a little more magical since after this it's a triple tradition sandwich. Halloween! Thanksgiving! My personal favorite >> CHRISTMAS/NEW YEARS!!!!!! This month, Faces of Silicon Valley is stepping away from systems and cities to explore a tradition many people celebrate without fully knowing where it came from. Before we jump in, here’s a quick note!

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1) Blog Stuff: Blog topics! And should I send out a poll for this? Let me know in the comments! :) 

2) Writing Stuff: If you have any writing you'd like our team to take a look at it, send it to us, using the Contact Us Page, or if you're more comfortable, just comment it down below! :) 

3) Commenting: Please feel free to comment your ideas, thoughts, comments, or just about anything appropriate! We're happy to connect with more people! This is actually really easy to do! All you have to do is click on one of our blog posts and make a comment! We even have a "Comment Prompt" feature, where you can respond, and share your thoughts. This feature is usually found at the end of blog posts! In fact, last week I left some pretty inquisitive comments about some new steps I want to bring to Faces of Silicon Valley, please check those out, and let me know your thoughts ASAP! Did you know that ASAP mean as soon as possible. I found that out in second grade, let us know in the comments how you discovered it! Moving on, it's always good to respond to the comment prompt, and share your thoughts. This way we can ensure that everyone has a voice and we'll be able to forge and connect new communities!! So make sure to comment, even if a week has passed! We will still be happy to reply to your thoughts and connect with you!  I actually went on an entire tangent on how to navigate comments, here, at the bottom: https://free-5178417.webadorsite.com/blog/2276799_week-25

Speaking of features, remember our "Random Facts!" Somewhere in our blog post, we share a random fact! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for one of those! THESE CAN BE ANYWHERE IN THE BLOG POST! Use the contact form, to let me know if you found it and there'll be a special prize [if you're right]! And remember, if you or someone you know would like to be involved in Faces of Silicon Valley's Interview Process, just let us know, and we'll be happy to get back to you! 

4) Interviews:This is such a big and pivotal part of our website, it's how we connect with others! Please contact me if you'd like to be interviewed! Remember, your age or occupation doesn't matter! We've met with star athletes and at the other end of the spectrum, future scientists and musicians! If you don't what I'm talking about, I highly advise you to check out their stories on our Community Stories Page! Remember, you can be featured just like them! We make sure that all our interviewee applicants get a chance to share their stories at some point! Whether that be tomorrow or in a couple of months, we'll try out hardest to ensure that you will get a change to be a part of our journey! 

So as a review, you can be interviewed, if you're a student, a worker, a cook, a young or old entrepreneur! Basically if you want to share your story with the community, here at Faces of Silicon Valley! We'd love to hear your story! Just contact us using our interview application process: https://forms.gle/CAGsioU2V2QaLeCo8 or using our Contact Us Page! 

5) Gallery Glimpse!: There's some awesome new photos in Gallery Glimpse! Be sure to check it out! Always use the contact page, if you want to contribute! We love featuring our community members, here! 

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Introduction to this October's post!

Halloween is often associated with costumes, decorations, and candy, but it didn’t start that way. The tradition has roots that span centuries and cultures, shaped by beliefs about seasons, spirits, and community.

This post explores how Halloween began, how it changed over time, and how it became the holiday we recognize today.

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Halloween: A Tradition That Transformed Over Time

Halloween traces its origins back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated in parts of Ireland, Scotland, and northern Europe. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was a time often associated with darkness and uncertainty.

The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became thinner. People lit bonfires and wore disguises to ward off wandering spirits. These practices laid the foundation for many Halloween customs we still recognize.

As Christianity spread, Samhain blended with All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Hallows’ Eve on October 31. Over time, the name shortened to Halloween. Traditions shifted from spiritual rituals to community gatherings and symbolic celebrations.

When immigrants brought these traditions to North America, Halloween continued to evolve. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it became more centered on children, neighbors, and entertainment. Practices like trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, and costume parties emerged as safer, more social forms of celebration.

Today, Halloween is a mix of old and new. It carries echoes of ancient beliefs while embracing creativity, humor, and imagination. Whether spooky or playful, the holiday reflects how traditions adapt to fit the times.

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Comment Prompts (SUPER EXCITED FOR THIS MONTH!) 

• Which Halloween tradition do you enjoy the most, and why?

• Do you have a costume, if so drop it in the comments! Or even better, give us hints, and we'll try to guess! 

• Did you know about Samhain before reading this post?

• Why do you think Halloween has lasted so long as a tradition?

• How do modern celebrations differ from their original meanings?

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stay safe, and happy halloween!