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Homecoming

Homecoming is an annual tradition in the United States, predominantly observed at high schools and colleges, where alumni and former students return to their for a weekend of festivities designed to boost and reconnect communities. The event typically revolves around a game as its centerpiece, accompanied by parades, pep rallies, , and social gatherings that emphasize pride in the institution's history and achievements. The origins of Homecoming trace back to at the , where coach and Chester Brewer initiated the concept by inviting to "come home" to for the annual matchup against the on November 25. This inaugural celebration included mass meetings of supporters, a , and special decorations to draw over 9,000 attendees, including , marking the first organized effort to leverage a game for engagement. Although other universities, such as in 1909 and the University of Illinois in 1910, have laid claim to early versions of similar events, Missouri's Homecoming is widely recognized as the foundational model that popularized the tradition nationwide. Over the subsequent decades, Homecoming has expanded beyond its athletic roots to encompass a broader array of activities, including and of a —often featuring a and elected by students and —and formal dances that serve as social highlights. Parades featuring floats built by student organizations, marching bands, and community participants have become staples, symbolizing unity and creativity. In recent years, the event has adapted to include inclusive elements like networking sessions, fundraising drives, and cultural performances, particularly at (HBCUs), where it underscores legacies of resilience and community. Today, Homecoming remains a vital occasion for reinforcing institutional identity, with participation extending to families, local businesses, and broader communities across the .

Overview and History

Definition and Purpose

Homecoming is a longstanding involving the of , former members, or affiliates to an organization—most commonly such as schools or religious groups—to celebrate its continued existence and cultivate intergenerational connections. This event emphasizes reunion and shared identity, serving as a symbolic " home" to a place of former affiliation, whether a , congregation, or . In essence, it transforms an institution into a living gathering point, bridging past experiences with present vitality. The primary purposes of homecoming include strengthening community bonds among current and former participants, honoring the organization's historical legacy, and, in educational settings, elevating through collective participation. It also promotes engagement by blending nostalgic reflections with forward-looking activities, such as networking opportunities or discussions on institutional goals, thereby fostering ongoing support and loyalty. In religious contexts, homecoming reinforces fellowship and spiritual continuity, welcoming back past members for worship and communal meals to reaffirm shared faith and purpose. Events generally unfold over a weekend, featuring preparatory activities leading to a central gathering—such as a sporting , , or service—that anchors the celebration and draws participants together. This structure allows for a progressive build-up of excitement, culminating in moments of communal joy and reconnection. In North American culture, homecoming embodies themes of return, renewal, and continuity, representing a formalized that underscores the enduring value of institutional ties.

Historical Origins and Evolution

The tradition of homecoming originated in the United States as an effort to strengthen alumni ties to their through organized reunions centered on games. Several universities claim early versions of the event: in 1909, the University of Illinois in 1910, where students Clarence Foss Williams and W. Elmer Ekblaw proposed inviting alumni back to campus for a game against rival on October 15, with the Illini defeating Chicago 3-0, and the in 1911, which is widely recognized as the foundational model. This Missouri initiative, supported by athletic director Chester Brewer who explicitly called for alumni to "come home" for a game versus , set a model for future events. Rapid adoption followed in the Midwest, as the hosted its first homecoming in 1911 against , tying 6-6. In the early , homecoming's expansion was propelled by the growth of post-World War I associations, which emphasized ongoing connections between graduates and institutions amid rising college s and a burgeoning culture. By the , the event had permeated high schools, where it became intertwined with efforts to promote local teams and pride, adapting the reunion concept to celebrate former students and foster school loyalty through football-centric weekends. The mid-20th century saw further evolution, with parades emerging as a staple in to rally crowds before games, followed by the introduction of homecoming queens—first crowned at institutions like in 1933 as "Pep Queens"—and formal dances that added social dimensions during the 1940s and 1950s. Post-World War II, the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the , triggered an enrollment surge that expanded networks, amplifying homecoming's scale and turning it into a major annual spectacle with increased participation from returning veterans. From the late 20th century onward, homecoming adapted to societal shifts, incorporating inclusivity measures such as gender-neutral courts in the 2010s to accommodate diverse student identities; for instance, Penn State University transitioned to this format in 2018, allowing any combination of participants regardless of gender. The COVID-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2022 prompted hybrid and virtual adaptations, with universities like Misericordia incorporating online game shows, mailed kits, and livestreamed events to maintain engagement amid restrictions. As of 2025, trends emphasize sustainability, such as eco-friendly parades using recyclable materials at the University of Minnesota and bead donation initiatives at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to reduce waste, alongside digital alumni engagement through apps for virtual networking and event participation. Globally, homecoming's influence extended to in the via U.S. educational models, with early adoptions like the University of Manitoba's 1927 semi-centennial celebration incorporating returns for and festivities, though its spread remained limited elsewhere until recent cultural exchanges facilitated similar events in other nations.

Educational Homecomings

High School Events

High school homecoming events in the United States are typically scheduled in the fall, from to , to align with the season, and span 1-3 days or a full week of spirit-building activities that culminate in a Friday night football game. Organization is largely student-led through councils or activity committees, which begin planning early to define goals, assemble subcommittees for tasks like decorations and , and allocate budgets drawn from funds, activity fees, booster clubs, and fundraising efforts such as . Key features distinguishing high school homecomings include class-based competitions during spirit weeks, with themed dress-up days like "movie character" or "decade flashback" to foster rivalry and enthusiasm among grades, conducted on a smaller scale than university versions and often bolstered by local community ties, such as business sponsorships for parades or pep rallies. Students assume primary leadership in event coordination and execution, from designing floats to leading assemblies, while alumni guests return for nostalgic participation, occasionally serving as mentors or judges in contests like talent shows or court announcements. These events draw 500 to 5,000 attendees overall, with homecoming games averaging about 1,000 spectators, positioning homecoming as a casual, spirit-driven prelude to more formal occasions like . Modern adaptations emphasize safety through anti-bullying guidelines in court selections and broader inclusivity efforts, including gender-neutral royalty options and multicultural themes inspired by global festivals to reflect diverse in the 2020s.

College and University Events

College and university homecoming events typically occur during the fall semester, spanning October to November, and often last several days to a week, drawing over 10,000 attendees including , students, and visitors. These celebrations are closely tied to major athletic events, particularly games, which serve as the central attraction; for instance, the historic Border War rivalry between the and the , dating back to 1891 and played annually until 2011 before resuming in 2025, has featured homecoming since 1911 when Missouri hosted the first recognized college homecoming game. Organizationally, these events are coordinated by university administrations in partnership with associations, which handle logistics such as event scheduling, venue arrangements, and promotion to foster community and institutional pride. plays a key role, with revenue generated from ticket sales, sponsorships, and targeted donation drives that support scholarships, facility improvements, and future programming; associations often leverage homecoming to boost giving rates through integrated campaigns like reunion-specific appeals. Athletics form the core of these events, highlighted by packed stadiums and gatherings, while formal reunions include structured networking sessions, panels, and mentorship opportunities to strengthen lifelong connections. A distinctive example is Hobo Day at , established in 1912 as the institution's homecoming, featuring parades, concerts, and that emphasize school spirit and have grown into the largest single-day event in . Alumni serve as the primary participants and returnees, traveling back to to reconnect with peers and the , while current students take supporting roles in organizing parades, spirit activities, and volunteer efforts to welcome guests. Notable or celebrities frequently appear, enhancing engagement through speeches, sessions, or performances that highlight successful graduates. These dynamics underscore homecoming's role in bridging generations and reinforcing institutional loyalty. Economically, college homecomings stimulate local , , and sectors by attracting large crowds; at major programs like the , home football games including homecoming contribute approximately $235 million annually statewide, as part of the university's total economic impact of $3.4 billion for fiscal year 2023-2024. In recent years, post-2020 adaptations have introduced hybrid -physical formats to accommodate remote participation, allowing worldwide to join livestreamed events, virtual reunions, and interactive sessions via platforms that blend in-person traditions with digital access. Efforts toward inclusivity have expanded, with many universities adopting diverse and gender-neutral homecoming court selections to represent broader student demographics, such as Stony Brook University's shift to all-gender royalty in 2018 and similar initiatives at Purdue and the . has also gained prominence, exemplified by zero-waste initiatives at events like Penn State University's homecoming, which diverts waste through composting and recycling to minimize environmental impact.

Traditions and Activities

Core Traditions

Homecoming celebrations in educational settings typically feature a , selected through votes by students and to recognize individuals embodying and . The process often involves nominating candidates based on involvement in campus activities, followed by a where the top vote-getters—traditionally five to ten per category—advance to the , with and crowned during of the game. This crowning ceremony symbolizes collective pride in the institution, as the royals represent the community's values and unity. In recent years, many schools have adopted gender-neutral options, such as or co-royalty titles, to promote inclusivity while preserving the tradition's focus on celebration. The parade serves as a central communal , featuring elaborately decorated floats built by student organizations, marching bands, and themed entries from alumni groups and local businesses. Held the day before or morning of the , it winds through or nearby streets, allowing participants to showcase through designs that often highlight school history or current themes. This event represents institutional unity, drawing together diverse community members in a display of shared identity and enthusiasm. Pep rallies and dress-up days build anticipation and foster participation throughout the week leading to the game. Pep rallies are high-energy assemblies in auditoriums or outdoor spaces, where cheerleaders lead chants, bands perform, and speakers motivate attendees to support the team. Complementing these are themed dress-up days, such as wearing school colors, decade-inspired outfits, or character costumes, which encourage widespread involvement and heighten through playful camaraderie. These activities symbolize the collective energy of the student body, transforming routine school days into opportunities for bonding and excitement. Tailgates, picnics, and dances provide social focal points around the main athletic event. Tailgates are informal pre-game gatherings in parking lots near the , where attendees grill food, play , and share stories, often organized by alumni associations or families to strengthen connections. Picnics extend this tradition to campus lawns, offering relaxed settings for meals and conversations that evoke . The post-game , typically semi-formal and held in a or hall, allows students and to socialize in a celebratory atmosphere, complete with music and decorations reflecting the week's themes. Alumni band performances add a layer of , with former musicians reuniting to join the current for halftime shows during the game. These ensembles rehearse briefly upon return, performing classic tunes and formations that highlight the band's enduring legacy. The joint appearance evokes shared memories of past Homecomings, reinforcing intergenerational ties to the institution. Underlying these elements are rituals that enhance , such as presenting corsages to members during the crowning, which signify honor and appreciation akin to formal recognitions in other school events. Some traditions include bonfires as pre-game rituals, where flames represent ignited passion for the team and school, often accompanied by speeches and cheers. Candlelight vigils, held in select cases to safeguard symbols like mascots, underscore protective communal bonds and reflective spirit.

Competitions and Variations

Spirit competitions form a key competitive element of homecoming celebrations in many U.S. educational institutions, fostering rivalries among classes, student organizations, or Greek life groups. These often include float-building contests during parades, where participants construct themed displays on trailers or vehicles to showcase creativity and school pride; for instance, at , the homecoming parade featured 14 student-built floats alongside skit performances judged for their alignment with the event's theme. Skit competitions, typically performed at pep rallies, involve short comedic or dramatic routines by rival groups, evaluated on humor, relevance to homecoming motifs, and execution, as seen in the University of North Alabama's annual skit event where teams compete for top honors based on creativity and spirit demonstration. Another popular rivalry is powderpuff football, a variant played by female students representing different classes or teams, which builds excitement leading into the main game; examples include events at and , where senior or upperclass teams often dominate these intraschool matchups. In smaller or rural high schools, homecoming adaptations scale down the grandeur of urban or larger institutional events to fit community resources and sizes, emphasizing intimate, participatory activities over elaborate productions. Without the capacity for large parades, these schools frequently prioritize games, such as touch tournaments or relay races among student groups, to channel competitive energy, as noted in programs at Eastern University's affiliated high initiatives that integrate intramurals into homecoming programming. Community barbecues replace formal tailgates, serving as casual gatherings that unite students, families, and locals around grilled foods and games, exemplified by pre-game cookouts at , a smaller institution in a rural setting, which highlight communal bonding in lieu of high-production spectacles. A distinctive variation in some Midwest high schools is courtwarming, a basketball-focused precursor or counterpart to traditional football homecoming, held during the winter sports season to select a royal court through competitive games and spirit activities. This event typically spans a week of themed dress-up days, pep assemblies, and exhibition basketball matches, culminating in a dance where the court is announced based on participation and enthusiasm; for example, at Battle High School in , courtwarming aligns with the first home boys' and girls' basketball home games, incorporating spirit weeks to build rivalry similar to fall homecoming. Schools like Staley High School in the Kansas City area further adapt it with dedicated basketball games against rivals, emphasizing court selection via student votes and on-court challenges rather than parades. Unique twists on homecoming competitions add localized flavor and inclusivity across institutions. The , a reversal of traditional norms where girls invite boys as dates, often ties into homecoming week as a semi-formal event promoting empowerment and fun role reversals; at Eaton High School in , this variation encourages creative invitations and themed attire to heighten the competitive social dynamic. Theme weeks may incorporate historical reenactments, where students dress and perform as figures from eras like the or Colonial , blending education with spirit contests judged on accuracy and enthusiasm, as observed in university celebrations like those at that feature such elements to honor institutional heritage. In 2025 events, eco-challenges have emerged as innovative competitions, tasking groups with sustainable tasks like zero-waste float designs or recycling drives during spirit week; for instance, the Homecoming:Queens public art event in reimagined pep rallies as celebrations of environmental , integrating climate-themed challenges to award points for green initiatives. Judging in these competitions typically revolves around criteria such as creativity, thematic adherence, demonstration of , and overall execution, ensuring fair evaluation by or student panels. Awards recognize excellence with trophies, certificates, or monetary prizes—such as the Best Decoration Award and Most Original at Delaware State University's office contest—or allocate points toward larger spirit cups that provide funding boosts for winning clubs, as in Georgia State University's decorating competition where scores in creativity (20%) and originality (25%) determine victors eligible for organizational resources. These incentives not only celebrate winners but also amplify participation, with examples like University's categorized judging leading to "Most Popular" awards that enhance group prestige and budgets.

Regional Variations

In Canada

In Canadian high schools, homecoming events occur in the fall, often aligned with the start of the season in provinces like and , though on a smaller scale than , emphasizing through assemblies, pep rallies, and dances rather than large parades. At the university level, homecoming was adopted in the early , with Queen's University hosting the first recorded event in 1926, featuring a game against the . The formalized its homecoming in 1948, drawing over 4,000 alumni for festivities including athletic competitions. These events typically center on rivalries in or ; for instance, the University of British Columbia's 2025 homecoming (held September 19) highlighted a matchup against the University of Calgary Dinos, while the (September 20) included options for games among its varsity sports programming. Alumni networking is a key component, often through career fairs and receptions, such as McGill University's School of Continuing Studies Homecoming Career and Community Fair (October 23). Distinct from U.S. practices, Canadian homecomings incorporate bilingual elements in , where events like University's 2025 homecoming (September 27) football game against the French-speaking Carabins blend English and French programming to reflect the province's linguistic diversity. In western universities, traditions are integrated, including dedicated gatherings like Western University's Learning Lodge Homecoming Breakfast for alumni and events at celebrating contributions to campus life. There is less focus on homecoming courts and more on and volunteerism, as seen in student-led support roles at Queen's University during alumni parades and gatherings. Attendance at Canadian university homecomings typically ranges from 1,000 to over 20,000 participants, influenced by proximity to U.S. traditions but adapted to the shorter season of eight regular games from September to November. For example, Western University's 2014 homecoming game drew 11,459 fans. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many Canadian homecomings incorporated virtual components post-2020 to broaden participation, while 2025 events emphasized inclusive themes reflecting national diversity, such as Truth and Reconciliation-focused events at Western University (September 26–28) featuring drumming and speeches on Indigenous leadership.

International Analogs

In various Asian cultures, practices centered on familial returns during religious or seasonal holidays parallel the reunion themes of homecoming, though they emphasize ancestral or holiday obligations over institutional affiliations. In Indonesia, mudik refers to the annual mass migration of millions of Muslims returning to their hometowns for Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of Ramadan, often involving extensive travel by road, rail, or air despite severe traffic congestion. This tradition, observed by up to 79 million people in recent years, fosters family reunions after long separations, with participants like urban workers traveling hundreds of kilometers to reconnect with extended kin. Similarly, China's represents the world's largest annual , occurring during the or , when hundreds of millions travel from cities back to rural hometowns for family gatherings and ancestral . Spanning about 40 days, this phenomenon—pre-pandemic involving over 3 billion passenger trips—tests transportation infrastructure and underscores the cultural imperative of huijia (returning home) to share meals, exchange red envelopes, and honor elders. In the Philippines, maintain ties through balikbayan boxes, large cardboard shipments filled with clothes, toys, canned goods, and holiday items sent to families during or other celebrations, symbolizing emotional bridges across distances. These boxes, exempt from certain duties, arrive months in advance, allowing recipients to unpack gifts that evoke the sender's presence and anticipation of future reunions. Japan's Obon festival, held in mid-August (or July in some regions), serves as a Buddhist-inspired family reunion where participants return to ancestral hometowns to welcome and honor deceased relatives' spirits, believed to visit for three days. Families clean graves, light lanterns to guide spirits, and perform dances, with urban dwellers traveling en masse—often causing a secondary migration peak—to join these rituals, blending solemn remembrance with communal joy. In , Brazil's offers a less formalized analog through its June harvest festivals, which bring communities together for dances, bonfires, and feasts celebrating rural life and Catholic saints like . Rooted in midsummer traditions adapted to the , these events—spanning the month—emphasize agrarian abundance and social bonds, with participants in straw hats and checked shirts gathering in town squares for quadrilhas (square dances) that echo themes of collective return to cultural roots. These practices differ from North American homecoming by prioritizing familial, religious, or seasonal cycles over school-sponsored athletics or royalty selections, often involving widespread migrations driven by tradition rather than events. Unlike the structured parades and of U.S. campuses, they focus on intergenerational , grave visits, or harvest sharing, without competitive elements like spirit weeks. Globalization has introduced North American homecoming concepts to other regions via media and educational exchanges, leading to hybrid alumni events. In South Korea, universities like Korea National University of Arts host "homecoming" gatherings for international , featuring reunions and performances that blend local celebrations with Western-style returns. Similarly, in , institutions such as in organize "Homecoming" weekends with faculty talks, networking, and campus tours, attracting global graduates in a format reminiscent of U.S. traditions, though adapted to emphasize professional reconnection over festivities.

Religious Homecomings

In Christian Churches

In Christian churches, homecoming serves as an annual or milestone anniversary celebration that invites former members and visitors back to the congregation for , fellowship, and spiritual renewal. These events emphasize themes of reconnection and , drawing inspiration from biblical narratives like the in , which illustrates God's welcoming embrace of the returning wayward child. The typical structure centers on a special Sunday worship service, often featuring a guest or former delivering a message on the church's , followed by communal meals such as dinners, displays of historical artifacts, and personal testimonies from longtime members. These gatherings are frequently scheduled in or fall to coincide with milder and availability, fostering a sense of shared history and gratitude. Key activities include "throwback" services that revive old hymns to evoke and unity, alumni spotlights highlighting contributions of past members, and outreach efforts like community health fairs to extend the church's mission beyond its walls. For example, Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., combined its homecoming with a fair in 2017, offering screenings and resources alongside worship. Similarly, in hosted a homecoming weekend on March 29–30, 2025, blending in-person services with online access for broader participation. Attendance at these events generally ranges from 100 to 1,000 participants, with a strong emphasis on engaging long-term members while incorporating newcomers, often incorporating fundraising elements to support church maintenance or ministries. The of Virginia's 2022 homecoming, for instance, drew nearly 1,300 attendees over two days. Historically, church homecomings developed in U.S. Protestant communities during the post-Civil War period, particularly among newly independent congregations seeking to build communal bonds after , and subsequently spread to denominations like Baptist and Methodist churches across the South and beyond. In modern practice, streaming has expanded access for distant unable to attend physically, reflecting post-pandemic adaptations in , while increasingly promote inclusivity to accommodate diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds within congregations.

In Other Faith Traditions

In non-Christian faith traditions, homecoming-like gatherings often revolve around annual religious festivals that emphasize familial reunions, , and communal , drawing parallels to the sense of return and celebration found in broader homecoming practices. These are typically tied to sacred calendars rather than institutional anniversaries, fostering a broader focus on family bonds and ancestral connections over structured or organizational activities. In , the High Holidays of and prompt widespread returns to hometowns for gatherings centered on prayer, reflection, and atonement. Families reunite for services that include the sounding of the on and extended fasting and repentance rituals on , reinforcing communal ties through shared meals like apples dipped in honey symbolizing a sweet . Additionally, from religious schools such as Hebrew Union College often lead or participate in these events, blending personal homecomings with professional contributions to community leadership. Islamic traditions feature similar reunions during , marking the end of with mosque prayers followed by family gatherings that emphasize forgiveness and joy. Participants don new clothes, exchange sweets, and share feasts, often traveling long distances to ancestral homes in a practice akin to Indonesia's , where millions undertake mass migrations to reunite with relatives in rural villages, integrating faith with cultural homecoming. In , Hari Raya Aidilfitri extends this through the balik kampung tradition, where urban dwellers return to kampungs for multi-generational meals and open houses, highlighting familial over institutional formality. Hindu communities observe Diwali as a that encourages returns for family feasts and rituals, commemorating the victory of light over darkness through lamp-lighting and sharing sweets. This homecoming underscores themes of prosperity and reunion, with members often traveling to join relatives for ceremonies and displays. In Buddhist practices, Japan's Obon festival serves as an analog, where families welcome ancestral spirits through temple visits, grave cleanings, and bon dances, culminating in lantern releases to guide souls back, blending reverence with joyful gatherings. These gatherings prioritize spiritual reflection through and rituals, alongside communal meals that strengthen intergenerational bonds, differing from more formalized Christian versions by their integration into cyclical religious observances rather than milestone anniversaries. Global variations, such as Malaysia's Raya with its emphasis on village returns, illustrate how local customs adapt the core theme of homecoming. In modern communities, hybrid events combine traditional reunions with virtual participation.

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