It's Party Time!

by Hye-rin Kim, Editor

About a month ago, a Halloween party of a large scale was held in my city which was hosted by the Vancouver Island Business Students' Association (VIBSA). I, as an exchange student from Sangmyung University, arrived in Nanaimo which is located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Nanaimo is the quietest, loveliest, and the most peaceful city I have ever been. Nearly three hundred students came to the lodge they rented. I was so excited to attend the party since normally we cannot enjoy Halloween parties in Korea because Halloween is not very familiar to Korean people. I could also see lots of creative Halloween costumes that made my eyes pop.
As you know, the culture of partying has penetrated into every aspect of American society, and people feel that parties are a part of their life. Whenever you visit Wal-Mart in North American cities, you can see countless party supplies on routine days. There are also many retail party supplies shops everywhere in North American countries. Almost every household decorates its house during the occasions of Christmas holidays, Thanksgiving weekend and Halloween with family members, while sharing happiness. Like these people more Koreans have been enjoying the North American party culture in Korea. This is a result of studying abroad programs becoming more popular these days, although the Western party culture still appears weird to many Koreans. I have learned that a new type of occupation which is called "a party planner" has come into being in Korea. You may have heard about a lady called "Jimmy Gi" whose career is, rarely seen in Korea, planning and organizing every kind of party. Of course we have our own traditional party culture, such as celebrating the Lunar New year's day, as well as Chuseok. Now, however, I just want to provide you with fun information about the party culture of North America, especially of North American college students.

★Halloween Party
As I mentioned in the introduction, a Halloween party is one of the typical costume parties where you can see lots of funny and sexy clothes. Halloween is in fact the evening of October 31st and this date is the eve of All Saints?Day. It is observed especially by children in costumes who solicit treats, often by threatening individuals with minor pranks. If you are aware of Halloween you might have heard of the expression "Trick or treat." This phrase literally means becoming involved in or taking part in trick or treating. So children who are dressed up in Halloween costumes call on neighbours, using this expression, and threaten to play a trick if a treat like chocolate or candy is not given.

★Toga Party

A toga party is a kind of costume party in which all of the participants dress up in Greek-style robes called "Togas" generally made from a bed sheet. Then you may put holly on your head and wear sandals. The idea of a toga party came from the film Animal House released in 1978. This kind of party is very popular on college and university campuses in the United States of America and Canada.

★Tight and Bright Party
This party is also a costume party. There was a tight and bright party on October 23rd in the students'union pub here, as well. At this party basically everyone is required to wear something bright, and tight. Think of neon leggings, bright bike shorts, size-too-small shirts, and even neon body paint!

★Farewell Party

It also can be called a "Going Away Party" In many cultures, throwing a farewell party is sort of customary. This party is normally for a person who is moving away from a neighbourhood or departing on a long trip. When classes are all finished for the semester you can also consider having a farewell party.

★Potluck party
Potluck means a meal or food that happens to be available without any special preparation or purchase. In this sense, when a potluck party is held the invitees can bring some food to the party place and every participant shares various foods at the same location.

★Pajama Party
A pajama party is also known as a sleepover. Literally, it is a party where guests are invited to stay overnight at the party spot. It is mostly held by teen girls among close friends. Many college students have pajama parties. The participants stay up late playing, eating and chatting until they fall asleep. You can play games like board games, truth or dare, have pillow fights, watch TV, and so forth.


★Cocktail party
A cocktail party is a party where cocktails are served. Doesn't it sound quite easy and simple? Yes, that is right. Notwithstanding this, a cocktail party is a more formal and polite party. Cocktail parties are a hilarious social event; however, there are certain rules that must be followed to be a cocktail party guest.


★Cocktail Party Etiquette
Then what is cocktail party etiquette? The first thing to remember is the RSVP. When an invitation is sent it is very impolite to ignore it. Moreover, it is normally not based on first-come-first-served so you need to be invited by the party host. That is why you should not ignore the invitation. Secondly, cocktail parties can take several different forms of dress codes. Since a cocktail party is on the whole a standing party the least formal is the cocktail buffet, which is usually a semi-formal or casual attire sit-down buffet. These are common for important occasions. Women may choose to wear what has become known as a cocktail dress. Also, cocktail parties are often places to meet people and make new connections so do not get sidetracked. Plus, make sure to bring anything that may be of use to you for networking at the party, which may include business cards.


Frankly, I have also participated in a cocktail party at the Vancouver Island Leadership Conference from Nov. 13th to 15th where there was a cocktail party. I was dressed up formally in front of others and I felt that I had to appear to be very polite, but the truth is that lots of college students are aware of cocktail party etiquette already and even this kind of party seemed familiar to them.

★Graduation party (Prom)
If you watch American situation comedies or dramas, you might have seen a Prom which is a graduation party for high school students. A Prom is a very important and meaningful party for almost every person in the States and Canada, even as much as a wedding. College students also have a graduation party at the end of their last semester.

Throwing or participating in a fabulous party sounds quite hard but it is definitely not. If you have an interest in parties and confidence to enjoy new relationships with others, just come over and make yourself comfortable. It is PARTY TIME!!