Stella Griggs
In recent years, homecoming traditions have begun to vary, such as the switch from corsages to bouquets. In the United States, most homecoming dances occur in September and October.
One hundred thirteen years ago, the University of Missouri held its students’ first official homecoming dance. What has now become a staple in many high school students’ social lives, homecoming is a dance that commemorates the end of homecoming week. Today, this includes spirit days, pep rallies, and a homecoming football game.
While the University of Missouri claims to be the origin of all homecoming festivities, the event spread to high schools in the 1920s, eventually becoming the renowned event it is today.
When homecoming is first mentioned each year, thoughts turn to dates, dresses, tuxes, pictures, dinner, and flowers. From the sunset photos to the dinner with friends and, finally, the dance, many high school students look forward to a night of fun celebrating themselves and their schools.
Addison Knight, a senior at Plant High School, shared her thoughts on homecoming. “At our school, we do homecoming in December, which is my favorite part because it isn’t as hot, seeing as we live in Florida,” Knight said.
Homecoming is a time-honored tradition for many schools, featuring homecoming kings and queens, along with a homecoming court. However, while traditions like these are honored in schools across the country, some traditions have recently changed.
For example, men getting their date a corsage was an annual event until recent years. Over the past decade, girls have made homecoming an all-day event. Getting nails and hair done, having brunch, and making bouquets have become increasingly popular activities throughout the morning of homecoming.
Little tweaks to the traditions, like bouquets instead of corsages, make each homecoming dance unique. Adding to the individuality of each school, spirit week and the dress-up days leading up to the dance differ for every school. At most high schools, students vote on which days to dress up for, choosing options like pajama days, color days, and more.
Overall, the history of this century-old tradition has been preserved, but it has evolved to express the originality of each student and their school.