It’s that time of year, again!
Autumn is upon us, and the leaves are beginning to change. There is a rather competitive football game to be played, while kings and queens are to be crowned. Families, friends, and neighbors gather together during this special time of year that is carried on with reflection and tradition at the majority of high schools and colleges (with lots of food of course).
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s homecoming!
But, when did homecoming become a thing? Why do we celebrate?
High schools and colleges have been carrying on the homecoming traditions for over a century now. It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and where ‘homecoming’ became a special tradition, but after doing some online searches, I felt that it became clear.
It is often difficult to pinpoint a time and place when looking for the origin of a tradition. Traditions are passed on, and we rarely stop to question how it all began. Like anything else, it can often be argued.
During 1911, the University of Kansas (Jayhawks) played football at the University of Missouri (Tigers). It was not just any Saturday football game, though. One of the biggest long-standing rivalries was played on the Tigers’ campus for the first time in history. Because of the great anticipation for the game, Mississippi’s coach and Athletic Director, Chester Brewer, invited alumni of the college to “come home” for the weekend in hopes of solidifying attendance. Thousands of members within the community joined together like we still do today with celebrations and festivities.
The idea did not catch on overnight, but as the hands of time continued to turn, this homecoming tradition of inviting the alumni community began to catch on.
Happy Homecoming, Bearcats! Wishing you a happy and healthy weekend full of fun (and lots of food).
(Information/Some quotes found on http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-history-of-homecoming)