Today’s post combines two of my favorite things—sewing and costume
parties. I’ve never been fond of the pagan rites of Halloween like trick or
treating. Costume parties for kids are much preferable, with dressing up, lots
of games, and candy. Oh, another thing I like about Halloween—chocolate. But
that’s another topic.
I prefer character costumes to the scary stuff. Here’s the Raggedy Ann
and Andy costumes I made for my grandchildren some years ago.
Where did this costume custom come from? Costume parties go back to the
masquerade balls of the 15th century. These balls dominated the carnival
season, especially in Italy. The custom spread throughout mainland Europe in
the 17th and 18th century. In London, characters in masks and fancy dress
mingled with the crowds at Haymarket and Vauxhall Gardens.
Masquerade dances became popular in colonial America, so popular that an
anti-masquerade movement grew, claiming the events encouraged immorality and
foreign influence. Party poopers.
Of course the style of costumes varied widely depending on class.
Peasants attending carnivals made do with what they could throw together,
whereas the nobility hid behind elaborate jeweled masks. How about this?
Character themed parties for teens and adults are all the rage now.
Movie and book characters are most popular. Star Wars themed parties are big
this year for obvious reasons.
Dressing up isn’t restricted to Halloween. I follow a historical costume
blog, and serious costumers and historians get together throughout the year for
teas, parties and reenactments. I’m not nearly as serious, but I enjoy sewing
historical and character costumes, though I’ve never made a costume for myself.
It’s enough for me to watch from the sidelines.
My granddaughter and her friend are going to a Disney themed Halloween
party this year so I volunteered to make their dresses. Belle and Cinderella.
I
got myself in a time crunch, but finally finished. Here they are ready for the
princesses to go to the ball.
Happy Halloween everyone!
Did you ever go to a costume party either as a child or adult? Be sure to enter a comment to get into the drawing for our weekly giveaway, Land of My Dreams by Norma Gail
I don't think I have ever been to a costume party, but one costume I wore as a child, my grand children later wore.
ReplyDeleteGood idea, Melanie, recycling costumes. They can be expensive.
DeleteFun post, Elaine. Loved that masquerade mask!
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, thanks for stopping by. Some of those masks were over-the-top and a good example of the excesses of the French court during that era.
DeleteI went to Halloween parties as a young girl growing up and we wore costumes but i have never been to a real masquerade party.
ReplyDeleteConnie.
I haven't been to a masquerade party either, Connie, but they sound like fun. At the end, they were all supposed to take their masks off and reveal themselves.
DeleteI have gone to a few costume parties, but they aren't usually my thing. I enjoy the fun my kids get out of them. I agree with costumes, though. I don't like scary ones, but some kids get scared of mascot costumes and Santa Claus. I guess scary is relative. haha
ReplyDelete