Hundreds upon hundreds of years ago, it was Celtic tradition to burn bonfires and dress up as scary monsters, at the festival, then called Samhain. As traditions and devotions changed, the day took up a new name as the day before All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows Eve. In recent times, the scary costume holiday conformed to the title Halloween, and that’s when everyone knew that the name would stick.

Nearly nine billion dollars was spent on candy, costumes, and decorations for holiday in the United States in 2019 alone. 2020 proves to bring new, unique challenges to the way the day is traditionally celebrated. What will the children do and is Halloween over before it even started?

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With the holiday season just around the corner it is important to note that as of the week of Oct, 5 that the number of Coronavirus cases grows by nearly 50,000 people daily in the United States alone. With the clock winding down just before Halloween on Oct. 31, many are left to wonder what this years trick or treating scene will turn out to be.

With the proper protocols in effect the number of cases theoretically should not change in this country, and the result would be a fun-filled night for all. Realistically it is important to know that not all people will have the same thoughts or will share opinions in no way close to yours. Whether you decide to give out candy this year or go door to door searching for candy, one important rule should be followed: respect the boundaries of others.

In a time where pandemic still looms around the country, it is not only decent, but expected that the boundaries others have are treated with respect.

Bellarmine student, Ally Downing, feels strongly about not breaking the six foot rule, saying, “This is not a time to be selfish, I can’t imagine someone intentionally going out without a mask on knowing they could belittling someone at risk.” Nobody deserves the right to trample over the health of others, as there could be someone in their life that is susceptible to disease.

Then comes the argument that if a relative or close friend is able to be easily overtaken by illness, why even go out on a public escapade, such as Halloween? Well the answer is quite simple, as the breaking of social distancing’s “6 feet” rule is looked down upon in public, it is only right that if you are feeling under the weather you should definitely stay home and find candy to eat away from others.

“For Halloween I’m really excited to be a piece of poop. I saw a costume at a costume store,” said senior Josh Jimenez, expressing his anticipation for the greatest day of the year.

Awesome and the year 2020 are not to be used in the same sentence under any circumstances and at this point in the year there is not much to look foreword to. Many see the day as a beacon of hope amongst the darkness of one of the worst years that the world has ever faced. By following safety protocol, there should be no problem with continuing with festivities, but remain vigilant and conscious of others around you, whether they are sick, healthy, or understandably unswag.