Starting in universities in 1910, homecoming was an opportunity to welcome alumni back to their graduated college for one home football game a season. The tradition carried on as only a football game until it was introduced to high schools in 1920. From there, high schools allowed the concept of homecoming to flourish by adding a dance the next day and introducing mums. Homecoming traditions should change to reiterate the original intentions.

The whole concept of homecoming lost its purpose through priority shifts in the modern day. Most people don’t care about welcoming alumni or building school culture. Now it’s all about finding a cute dress no one else will have or making sure your homecoming proposal is better than others. It’s an opportunity for students to mingle with their friends and dress up rather than celebrate the school. 

The excitement and thrill of homecoming is often covered in the extensive planning and expenses. Mums started as a small corsage that a boy would give to their date, showing that they’re going together. Now the entire tradition changed. People spend upwards of $500 just to make a mum or garter. The idea is fun and represents a union between a guy and their date. However, this same message could be conveyed through a simple wrist corsage that doesn’t take weeks to prepare and hundreds of dollars to make.

Homecoming shifted to target a consumer-based economy. Countless companies profit off homecoming traditions such as mum-making and the dance. Some dress companies open just for homecoming season because they know they’ll make enough money. Instead of representing the school, homecoming now serves as an opportunity for businesses to sell homecoming decorations and items. A mom in Aledo even went as far as making mini mums for Stanley Cups. This just shows the extensive influence of homecoming and the loss of meaning. What used to represent school spirit, is now just an outlet for profit.

Proponents of the new homecoming traditions believe it’s adapting with modern day society and benefits the economy through homecoming-based companies. However, people spend too much money on an event that takes away from its true purpose. Society should allow Homecoming to reintroduce its original traditions to reinforce its purpose. It would build a sense of unity and community.