Attire donned for the celebration of All Hallows’ Eve in the nascent years of the twentieth century reflected a blend of superstition, emerging popular culture, and readily available resources. Garments often consisted of homemade creations, utilizing materials found within the household. Common themes included ghosts, goblins, witches, and devils, mirroring the holiday’s origins in Celtic folklore and Christian tradition. The practice served as a way to playfully confront fears associated with the supernatural and the changing seasons.
This period witnessed a transition in Halloween festivities from solemn religious observations to more lighthearted communal events. The act of dressing in disguise functioned as a mechanism for social interaction and community bonding. Individuals, often children, would engage in trick-or-treating, seeking treats from neighbors while shielded behind their chosen persona. This fostered a sense of shared experience and participation in a collective cultural tradition. The emphasis shifted from warding off evil spirits to embracing the playful aspects of the holiday.
