Identifying the absolute, definitively first instance of a Halloween costume proves challenging due to the evolution of Halloween traditions and the lack of comprehensive historical records. However, the act of dressing up for Halloween, or “guising,” has roots in ancient Celtic and early European practices. These early forms of disguise primarily involved donning costumes to ward off evil spirits or impersonate them, rather than for purely aesthetic or entertainment purposes. The noun phrase “halloween costume” describes an article of clothing or disguise worn during Halloween festivities.
The significance of early Halloween costumes lies in their connection to beliefs surrounding death, spirits, and the supernatural. Dressing up offered a perceived layer of protection during a time believed to be particularly vulnerable to otherworldly intrusions. These costumes were often crude and made from readily available materials, emphasizing practicality and symbolic meaning over elaborate design. As Halloween evolved and migrated to America, these customs gradually transformed into the more recognizable forms of costuming seen today, influenced by popular culture and commercialization.
