Why Do People Wear Costumes on Halloween?
People wear costumes on Halloween because the holiday brought together traditions of disguise, visiting, entertainment, and make-believe. Masks could turn familiar neighbors into mysterious visitors, while later parties and commercial costumes widened the choice of characters. The modern American custom has several historical layers. A ghost, a superhero, and a homemade animal outfit can all belong to the same celebration because dressing up became a tradition in its own right, beyond any single belief about spirits. Halloween's setting helps explain its ghostly wardrobe. The National Museum of Ireland describes Samhain as marking the first day of winter on November 1, with much of the celebration taking place the previous evening. Traditions included feasting, games, and expectations that the dead might return. The name Halloween also connects to the eve of the Christian Feast of All Saints. Seasonal customs and religious observances provide the background for a night associate...
