This Halloween, perhaps a different kind of mask?
What's It Wednesdays
This Halloween, perhaps a different kind of mask?
ACHC #1992.114.6
Admittedly, this Halloween will be different. However, dressing in costumes and masks to mark the day is a long-time custom. It dates back more than 2000 years.
It originates with the Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrating the end of summer harvest and the beginning of the dark, harsh winter. Ancient Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the spirits of the dead walked the earth causing supernatural mischief. Bonfires were built and food and drink set out for gods and otherworldly spirits. Celts painted their faces white or wore animal skins and heads as disguises from the spirits.
By the 9th century, Christianity had spread to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Britain. The church blended the ancient Celtic traditions with Christian ones. The night before All Saints Day (Nov 1) was celebrated as All Hallows Eve with bonfires, parades and people costumed as saints, angels, and devils. The tradition continued through the centuries. There are many references of poor people and children in costumes going door-to-door for treats and food. In medieval England and Ireland, people would dress in shrouds symbolizing the souls of the dead and go from house to house to gather "soul cakes."
Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 1800s brought Halloween superstitions of fairies and spirits roaming the earth and the costume traditions with them. The celebration of Halloween quickly spread in America.
J. Halpern Co. 1952 Costume catalog
In the late 19th century, costumes centered on death and the macabre. By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween was more of a family holiday with costume parties including both adults and children. It was during these decades that pop-culture began to influence costumes. J. Halpern Co of Pittsburgh was the first manufacturing company to make licensed Halloween costumes of cartoon characters as Popeye, Olive Oyl, Little Orphan Annie and Mickey Mouse.
TV influenced costumes even more with superhero and comic book heroes. In the 1940s and 1950s many costumes were still homemade though an increasing number were store-bought.
ACHC #2011.048.1a-c
This bright yellow and black clown costume in our collection was made by Isabella Hamilton Batchelder for her children. It was worn for many Andover Halloweens in the late 1940's and 1950's.
This is my favorite costume sewn in 1995. Concept and design dictated by an adamant 4-year old, "I want to be a tree!"
I’d love to hear about your favorite Halloween costume.