For about a century now, American high schools have been annually sanctioning the school-wide event of the year, homecoming. Every autumn, students begin their preparations, such as discovering the perfect outfit from head to toe. Students grab their dates, cheer on their football teams and up the ante on school spirit as the dance creeps closer. But, where exactly did this all-American tradition stem from?
According to Lamar Life, homecoming began with colleges celebrating the first football game of the season. The popularity of American football spiked in the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and along with that, the celebration of homecoming. Some might say that the increase in football is not responsible for this American tradition, but a certain losing streak is.
Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs wrote that “Notably, the University of Illinois football team was on a losing streak for several years against a rival, the Chicago Maroons. It was believed that if they could bring everyone back and rally behind the team, they could change their luck and pull off a W.” Even more notably, this tactic worked. The team won, and other schools viewed the homecoming of these loyal fans and alumni, as a good luck charm and followed in tow. The university became a trendsetter and major influence for the first ever official homecoming, hosted by the University of Missouri.
By the 1930’s, high schools had made the influential choice to share the traditions of local colleges, the Vandergrift Voice reports. The high schools invited their alumni to these games and after parties, and as these former students were being welcomed “home” to their high schools, homecoming got its name. Omella states that “Homecoming is also important because it brings together alumni,” describing how homecoming was celebrated throughout the whole community as a way of pride and spirit.
As for present day, many alumni no longer visit their Alma mater. Over time, schools separated from communities and became more of an exclusive, student-only ordeal. Now, highschoolers can enjoy expressing their school spirit and experiencing a good time with their classmates and friends after cheering on their football team and participating in pep rallies and spirit dress-up days.
