Why do people wear costumes

And then at night, you'd see children running around the neighbourhood, looking for candy. Yes, Halloween is around the corner. But what is the significance of this celebration?

We explain it here What does Halloween mean, after all? Halloween is believed to have originated in the UK in the s. Because Halloween is celebrated on the evening of October 30 every year. The festival also has Samhain origins and it was believed that the souls of the departed visited on the evening before the All Saints' Day. Christianity adopted October 31 as a holiday in the 11th century, as part of efforts to reframe pagan celebrations as its own.

But many of the folkloristic aspects of Samhain were incorporated and passed on -- costumes included. In medieval England and Ireland, people would dress up in outfits symbolizing the souls of the dead, going from house to house to gather treats or spice-filled "soul cakes" on their behalf a Christian custom known as "souling".

From the late 15th century, people started wearing spooky outfits to personify winter spirits or demons, and would recite verses, songs and folk plays in exchange for food a practice known as "mumming".

American influence. As the first wave of Irish and Scottish immigrants began arriving in the US in the 18th century, Halloween superstitions, traditions and costumes migrated with them. Once Halloween entered American culture, its popularity quickly spread, according to fashion historian and director of New York University's costume studies MA program, Nancy Deihl.

Three girls prepare for Halloween festivities in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio, By the s and s, people were holding annual Halloween masquerades, aimed at both adults and children, at rented salons or family homes. Costume preparations sometimes began as early as August, according to Bannatyne. Falling right between summer and Christmas, the celebration also seemed to benefit from its timing in the calendar.

Those same decades also saw the emergence of costumes influenced by pop culture, alongside the first major costume manufacturing companies. The J. While Samhain is still celebrated in some areas of Ireland and Scotland, much of the world has split this ancient celebration into two separate holidays: A day set aside to honor loved ones who have passed on All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1 and a holiday celebrated with costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins Halloween, celebrated on October This DIY star costume couldn't be easier to make!

And since you only need to make one piece, it can be worn with any outfit you already have! This DIY witch costume is perfect for any kind of Halloween party! This adorable cactus costume is so easy to make, and it works for kids and adults alike!

Make a homemade airplane costume for your little pilots with a few cardboard elements. Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission. Save Pin FB More.