Homecoming Tradition: Celebrating School Spirit and Alumni

"Homecoming Queen" redirects here. For the thoroughbred racehorse, see Homecoming Queen (horse). Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in the USA. It usually includes activities for students and alumni, such as sports and culture events and a parade through the streets of the city or town.

Contents [hide]
1 United States
1.1 Origins
1.1.1 Baylor University
1.1.2 University of Illinois
1.1.3 University of Missouri
1.2 Traditions
1.2.1 Homecoming Court
1.2.2 Parade
1.2.3 Tailgate
1.2.4 Picnic
1.2.5 Dress-up days
1.2.6 Rallies
1.2.7 Homecoming dance
1.3 Competitions
1.4 Smaller school homecomings
1.5 Courtwarming
2 Canada
3 Other
4 See also
5 References

United States[edit source | editbeta]Homecoming is an annual tradition of the United States. People, towns, high schools and colleges come together, usually in late September or early October, to welcome back alumni and former residents. It is built around a central event, such as a banquet and, most often, a game of American football, or, on occasion, basketball, ice hockey or soccer.

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When celebrated by schools, the activities vary widely. However, they usually consist of a football game played on a school's home football field, activities for students and alumni, a parade featuring the school's marching band and sports teams, and the coronation of a Homecoming Queen (and at many schools, a Homecoming King).

A dance commonly follows the game. When attached to a football game, Homecoming traditionally occurs on the team's return from the longest road trip of the season. The game itself, whether it be football or another sport, will typically feature the home team playing a considerably weaker opponent.

The game is supposed to be an "easy win" and thus weaker schools will sometimes play lower division schools.

Origins[edit source | editbeta]The tradition of Homecoming has its origins in alumni football games held at colleges and universities since the mid-1800s. Many schools lay claim to having the first Homecoming,[1] but several seem to have the strongest claims.

Baylor University[edit source | editbeta]Baylor University in Waco, Texas has a homecoming history that dates back to 1909 including what