SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO : Halloween Fun Sans the Ghouls

There were neither ghosts nor ghouls nor goblins on the grounds of Mission San Juan Capistrano on Friday, but that doesn’t mean the students of Mission School weren’t dressed up in the spirit of Halloween.

Instead of celebrating in a more traditional way, the 400 students in kindergarten through eighth grade celebrated a message of worldwide peace and understanding through international costumes, foods, songs and dances.

Mission School Vice Principal Jeanne Aubertin said she came up with the ideaof holding a United Nations Day in place of Halloween in 1982 out of concern about the increasingly violent nature of the students’ ghoulish costumes.

“It was just becoming impossible with some of the costumes that children were being allowed to wear to school,” Aubertin said. “We just didn’t want that negative, nasty attitude that seems to prevail on Halloween.”

Since that time, the event has grown in popularity and scale, Principal Jinny Sullivan said. Preparation for United Nations Day started in September when teachers and students chose a nation or region to study.

On Friday, in one of the grandest celebrations ever, students dressed up in elaborate costumes from such countries as Russia, Africa, Hawaii, France and Japan. During lunch, students ate foods prepared by their parents that were representative of their chosen nations, such as French fondue and Greek pita.

Later, there was a United Nations parade and dance program, which concluded with a rendition from the students of “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love.”

Like many parents at the event, Liz Elliott said she believes the peaceful celebration was one appropriate for a the private Catholic school, located within the historical monument of Mission San Juan Capistrano.

“They still look like they’re having a real Halloween,” she said. “They have so much fun, and it is such a big festivity.”

The day was a hit for the students and teachers as well.

“We learned a lot,” said fifth-grader Christin Allrich, who was dressed as a Russian peasant. “This is a good idea.”

Halloween Tips

Here’s some safety advice for trick-or-treating tonight.

Wear costumes that can be easily seen at night.

Carry a flashlight when trick or treating after dark.

Only go trick-or-treating on well-lighted streets. Children should only knock on doors of homes where residents have turned outside lights on as a sign of welcome.

Young children should be accompanied by parents or an older sibling.

Take off Halloween masks when crossing the street. Only cross at corners.

Parents should check all treats.

Costumes should be short enough to prevent children from tripping.

Accessories such as swords and wands should be made of soft materials.

Source: Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County Fire Department