Homecoming traditions are as American as French Fries.
Apparently as far back as the 1870’s Harvard and Yale were inviting their alumni back to attend games against rival schools but the notion of homecoming as we know it today officially began at the University of Missouri in 1911. It was at this time the athletic director, Chester Brewer, invited alumni to attend an annual game against their rivals, University of Kansas. The football game was the center of the activities which also included parades, dances, rallies, bonfires and the nominating of a King and Queen. Not much has changed in the last 100 years. Like most human traditions, however, although homecoming itself has its origins within the last century, the activities participated in during this time trace back to the days of barbarians. Usually, before a battle, there would be a celebration to encourage and hearten the warriors. These celebrations included dances around the fire, feasts, and ceremonies to cheer on and honor those about to enter into battle which were led by chosen tribal leaders and sometimes included sacrificial virgins. Drums sounding to the beat would awaken and intimidate the opposing tribe while warriors dressed in paint screamed out war cries and led the attack.
Today, we engage in similar activities and although lives aren’t at stake, with some die-hard sports fans you’d think they were. Although we vote for our royalty and maybe grunt a little less, the situations seen are all quite similar. Older tribal member came to cheer on the youth. Rather than roasting wild game on a spit we gorged on cold hot dogs. We paraded the warriors around the village, heard some war cries, pounded some drums and selected the leaders of the day. When the warriors return from battle the magnitude of the celebration will be determined by the success they attained. All-in-all, a good time will be had by everyone.
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