Writers: Alexis Sheely and Kaitlin Merlino
October comes to a close in just a few days with many people preparing to celebrate this month’s crowning holiday, Halloween. While potential trick-or-treaters settle in for a spooky night at home because of concerns with Covid-19, Halloween candy still fills the shelves of local grocery stores. Instead of allowing those sweet temptations to go to waste, buy some chocolate in celebration of our final odd October holiday, National Chocolate Day.
Although the exact origins of this holiday are unknown, the United States still chooses to celebrate on this day each year. Chocolate dates back nearly 2,500 years to the Aztecs. They loved their discovery to such an extent that they believed the god of wisdom, Quetzalcoatl, bestowed it upon them. Cacao seeds were even used as a form of currency in their culture.
For those looking out for their health, dark chocolate has been proven to have multiple health benefits. According to healthline.com, dark chocolate contains a powerful source of antioxidants.
There have also been studies done that show it may improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Dark chocolate may also have been proven to increase brain function and could possibly reduce the risk of heart disease. Of course, all of these benefits come from measured amounts of consumption.
“It’s ironic that National Chocolate Day is three days before Halloween,” junior Melissa Johnson said. “I might even call it pre-Halloween without gummy candy.”
Whether you are on campus or remote learning, celebrating National Chocolate Day can be as simple as enjoying this sweet treat.
“I’ll celebrate it the only way that’s appropriate: eating chocolate. But not too much because Halloween is coming up,” sophomore Abigail Garrido said.
However you celebrate, make sure to take full advantage of this odd holiday. Visit The Falcon or The Union and pick up a chocolate bar or a chocolate-adjacent treat. The options are endless and there could not be an easier holiday to celebrate.