The evolution of Halloween costumes through the decades
The origins of the Halloween celebration go back over 2,000 years ago. Every first November, the Celtic peoples of Europe celebrated the first day of the new year, called Samhain. On the eve of Samhain - the current Halloween - it was thought that the spirits walked on Earth while they were traveling towards afterlife, and that other creatures like fairies and demons and walked along with them ...
Later on, Christian leaders transformed the Samhain celebration. In the 7th century Pope Boniface IV decreed that All Saints Day (All Hallows' Day) be celebrated on November 1st. Bonfires continued to be lit and costumes were worn during the eve of the feast but under another name: All Hallows' Eve, which later became "Halloween".
European emigrants brought Halloween to the USA where celebrations became really popular during the peak of Irish immigration in the nineteenth century.
According to the association of American traders, every year around 40% of the American population is disguised, for a total of 120 million individuals among children, adults and even pets ... more than 11 percent of the dogs or cats, to be exact.
Among the most popular costumes for adults we can find: witch, vampire, pirate, nurse, sexy vamp, cat, zombies, fairy, Batman and Dracula.
Halloween costumes through the decades
1910s
"In masks and gown we haunt the street And knock on doors for trick or treat Tonight we are the king and queen, For oh tonight it's Halloween!"
1920s
"There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery."
1930s
"It's Halloween! It's Halloween! The moon is full and bright And we shall see what can't be seen On any other night. Skeletons and ghosts and ghouls, Grinning goblins fighting duels Werewolves rising from their tombs, Witches on their magic brooms In masks and gown we haunt the street And knock on doors for trick or treat Tonight we are the king and queen, For oh tonight it's Halloween!"
1940s
"On Halloween, don't you know back when you were little, your mom tells you don't eat any candy until she checks it? I used to be so tempted to eat my candy on the way to other people's houses. That used to be such a tease."
1950s
"This is Halloween, everybody make a scene Trick or treat till the neighbours gonna die of fright It's our town, everybody scream In this town of Halloween."
