Why do we wear costumes on Halloween?

What comes to your mind when you first hear the word Halloween? In my case, costumes are the one that comes first. If costumes are the one that comes to your mind too, then do you know why we wear costumes on Halloween?

In this blog, we'll be going through the reasons why we wear costumes on Halloween. So, let's unleash the secret behind the costumes on Halloween.

The Origin of Halloween 

It's been over a thousand years since Halloween started. The way Halloween is celebrated has changed over the years, and now it is quite different from how it started. Let's now dive into the actual reason how Halloween started.

To know the origin of Halloween, we need to head back to the Celtic Festival of ancient Ireland, which celebrated the new year on November 1.

On October 31, the night before the new year was celebrated as the Celtic Festival known as Samhain. It was Samhain that marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter in ancient Celtic Ireland. 

On the other hand, it was also believed that on this Day, the dead could roam around the Earth because the line between living ones and dead ones would become thin. So, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to chase away the evil spirits.

Later, when the influence of Christianity extended its influence to Celtic lands, the Samhain evolved into All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saints Day, a day to honour Christian saints and martyrs. 

The celebration of all Saint's Day was similar to that of Samhain and was called All-hallows. The night before it, the traditional night of Samhain began to be called All-Hallows Eve and eventually Halloween.

The Theory behind Costumes on Halloween 

Let's now quickly head into the answer to our question: why do we wear costumes on Halloween? The theory behind the costume is directly related to the origin of Halloween.

As we got to know from the history of Halloween, Halloween originated from the Celtic festival Samhain. Samhain was supposed to be the Day when the boundary between the living and dead ones would become blurred, making it possible for the dead ones to return to Earth.

As people believed that the dead could return to Earth, they started wearing disguises and costumes to hide away from the spirits and avoid harm.

Also, the costumes on Halloween can be linked with the Christian tradition of All-Hallow's Eve, the night before All Saint's Day. People believed that the souls of the dead would revisit their former homes.

In order to confuse the souls and avoid being harmed by them, people used to dress up as angels, demons and saints.

Significance of Halloween Costume

Halloween costumes are significant to Halloween as they are rooted in historical traditions as well as cultural beliefs. Also, they add a fun and festive atmosphere to the holidays.

Here's, in brief, how costumes add to the tradition of Halloween and why they are important: 

Tricking the spirit

It is believed that the boundary between the living and dead ones gets thinner, and they are supposed to be roaming on Earth. Wearing different costumes can help people trick the evil spirits and avoid them.

Though this might be a belief only, following and continuing traditions is absolutely wonderful when it creates fun and joy around people and promotes culture.

Creative expression

Costumes can be a way to show people's creativity, as there are no hard and fast rules for Halloween costumes. People of all ages, from children to older adults, can design costumes according to their choices.

People have the freedom to design and dress that reflect their favourite characters, showing their creativity and imagination. It can be a way through which people can showcase their imagination as well as creativity.

Social interaction 

Halloween costumes can enhance social interaction as people can bond, share their costume ideas and engage in conversation around their favorite characters. 

This can lead to enhanced connection and coordination between members of the community.

Fun and Traditions

Costumes have been an integral part of Halloween since its beginning. Continuing it can play an important role in preserving, promoting and handing over thousand year long traditions to coming generations.

Along with that, it also adds a fun element to the holiday, making it memorable and full of joy.

Halloween Costume Today

Today's Halloween costumes come in a wide range of styles. From superhuman characters to pop culture characters, there have been significant changes in the Halloween Costumes.

However, the traditional characters and monsters, such as vampires and zombies, are timeless, with people putting a modern twist on these classics. 

Also, there are a number of Halloween costumes that are influenced by the latest movies, TV shows and trends on social media. Group costumes among friends and families are also popular lately.

Overview 

The tradition of wearing Halloween costumes is over a thousand years old. It was the Celtic festival Samhain, in which the costumes were used to protect people from evil spirits. It then evolved to Halloween in the later years.

Today, Halloween is not only about avoiding evil spirits but is also about building social interactions, a way to showcase creativity in addition to the joy and happiness it brings with it.

There have been significant changes in the costume styles over the years, ranging from superhuman character costumes to pop culture characters. But the feeling of fun and joy that Halloween brings with it is timeless. 

So are you clear about why do we wear costumes on Halloween? Also, what are you thinking of wearing this Halloween? 

Want to know about My Halloween Costumes this year?

I have had a lot of confusion regarding my Halloween Costumes in the past years. But this year, I'm surely going to get my Halloween Costumes from One Charlie Kilo.

If you are also confused about your Halloween Costumes, Don't forget to visit One Charlie Kilo for all of your clothing and accessory needs.