Halloween, a holiday rich with history and tradition, has always been celebrated with a touch of creativity and whimsy, especially when it comes to Halloween Costumes. From the early days of simple disguises to the elaborate and highly themed outfits we see today, the evolution of Halloween costumes offers a fascinating glimpse into changing cultural trends and individual expression. As society’s tastes and technologies have evolved, so too have the ways in which we choose to celebrate this spooky season.
It’s important to avoid costumes that mock or make light of people’s lived experiences. For example, dressing up as a hobo reduces homelessness to a joke.
Origins
Halloween costumes have long drawn from centuries of superstitions and paranormal lore. The holiday, which is also called All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve, has pagan and Christian roots. It is believed to be rooted in the Celtic festival Samhain (or All Hallows in England and Wales) marking summer’s end and the start of winter. This was a time when the veil between the world of the living and dead was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to roam about.
During the 19th century, there was a movement to domesticate Halloween and mold it into a family-friendly party occasion. Costumes became less gothic and more playful, with young girls dressed as fairies or princesses. People also began impersonating characters at the fringe of society, such as pirates and gypsies. Children would dress in costumes and go from house to house begging for treats, a practice that eventually evolved into today’s trick-or-treating. This practice may have helped spawn the prank-playing that resulted in vandalism and property damage at times during this period.
Early 20th Century
Before Halloween evolved into the kid-friendly party holiday it is today, 31 October was a time to ward off malevolent spirits or reconcile with the dead. Costumes at this time were often more morbid than the cute and cuddly outfits worn by children now.
As Halloween migrated to America with Irish and Scottish immigrants, the costumes began to reflect the superstitions and beliefs of the new culture. People would dress in spooky outfits to personify ghosts and demons, and they would go from house to house collecting spiced cakes or “soul cakes” (a Christian variation on the trick-or-treating tradition).
As the 20th century progressed, Halloween became more of a community affair. Costumes reflected the popular fashions of the era. Flapper girls and gangsters were the rage for women, while boys often dressed as Perriot clowns. After World War II, when TVs were introduced into families’ homes, costumes started to mimic characters from pop culture. Branded costumes became the norm, and by the 1960s, the Ben Cooper Company held around 80% of the costume market.
Mid 20th Century
As Halloween became more of an adult holiday, costumes based on popular culture and movies began to appear. Costumes influenced by horror movies, superheroes and sci-fi grew in popularity as well.
Costumes based on people who were on the fringes of society, such as pirates, homeless men and gypsies also became commonplace for both adults and children. Unfortunately, during this period, many of these costumes were portrayed in racist and colonial ways that supported white supremacy and perpetuated stereotypes of blacks, Asians and other minorities.
Kids were encouraged to participate in trick-or-treating, and they often dressed up with homemade masks — think Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees. They also donned costumes that were inspired by pop culture such as cartoon characters and movie stars. Today, Halloween is a commercial holiday where many choose to buy their costumes instead of making them at home. However, the popularity of TikTok has led to a revival of homemade costumes in which individuals construct their own outfits from clothing items found around their homes.
Post WWII
In the 1940s Halloween was still a big deal, so much so that local theaters started offering special matinees. Costumes were popular, and as a form of patriotism, some people chose to dress up in costumes in support of the war effort.
People became fascinated with impersonating characters at the fringes of society, like pirates and gypsies. They also continued the practice of Halloween pranks, leading to vandalism and riots in some areas.
After the war ended, many children were released from school and home confinement. They took to the streets, and costumes became a way of celebrating their freedom.
In 1978, the horror movie The Nightmare on Elm Street was released, and serial killer Michael Myers became the costume to be. Then in 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark was a hit and Harrison Ford became archaeologist Indiana Jones.