Here at the Gathering, Halloween is one of our favorite holidays because, hello? The COSTUMES! At the Gatherings, you are encouraged to wear garb. At Legacy, garb is even required. Over the years, the Gathering has seen an incredible variety of inspirational garb. We have seen it all – from Vikings to Knights, from pirates to ninjas, to Fae and fantasy alike. The costume contests at the Gatherings are a wonderful spectacle to see. In this blog, we will showcase merely a snapshot of the amazing fits we have seen over past Gatherings, and we will also explore the history behind wearing costumes on Halloween.
Halloween in its modern form only originated in the 1950s with the creation of mass produced costumes that were affordable for families who were just fending off the fumes of World War II. That was when Halloween was popularized in America, but the origins of Halloween date back over 2,000 years to the Celts. The Celts followed a calendar year that was based on the seasons. Samhain was celebrated as marking the end of the year. Traditionally, to celebrate the ending of the year, practitioners would plan to make offerings to the gods in the form of wheat, honey, animals products, etc. At this time of the year, the spirit realm was believed to have a thinner veil and made connecting with the ancestors easier. Each culture has its own tradition for connecting with the ancestors, but the Celts would make their offerings and would put on animal pelts to disguise themselves from spirits who would see them as one of their own and leave them be. Throughout the ages, it gave villagers the opportunity to go door to door to play tricks and in some cultures given “soul cakes” for the ancestors. Villagers would carve turnips and gourds and place candles in them to further discourage mischievous spirits.
When the Irish and the Scots began migrating to America, these were the traditions they brought with them. With pumpkins now available, those were used instead of turnips. As these traditions spread, they became adopted by other cultures they intermingled with. Having been exposed to Christianity through the centuries, Samhain became All Hallow’s Eve, or the day before All Saint’s Day on November 1st. Eventually, it became commonly known as Halloween. Throughout the 18th-19th centuries, the costumes were still primarily scary in nature in order to trick the spirits. Costume wearers reveled in the anonymity, and masks were often made of linen and plaster, or whatever was readily available. If you do a google search for handmade Victorian Era Halloween costumes, many of them are more haunting than the ones you see today.
Costumes today, due to the revolutions in manufacturing and the massive commercialization of the holiday, can be as much or even more extravagant than historical costumes. At previous Gatherings, we have been so amazed and inspired by our guests, whether they participated in the costume contest or not. And while Halloween only happens once a year, we aim to have a small and large Gathering each year as we hope to grow! Gathering Legacy happens November 15, which is only two weeks away. If you loved your costume this year and Halloween just wasn’t enough time with it, why not have an excuse to wear it again amongst friends? We will have a mead garden, food, tea, a merchant’s bazaar, DND gaming opportunities, live tavern music, and even some fire entertainment! Plan to see some incredible garb, and come prepared to add to your own from some of our incredible vendors- we’ll have everything from leather, furs, dice, apparel, and so much more.
Take a look back with us at merely a few of our favorites from past Gatherings, and until next time, adventurers!
Photo by F.anastic Visions