By Chloe Halpin
The tradition of dressing up for Halloween began long before costumes were inspired by pop stars or movie characters. It dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It was believed that on the night of Samhain, the boundary between the living and the dead was at its weakest, allowing spirits to cross into the world of the living. People would wear disguises in order to protect themselves from wandering spirits. Over time, these traditions evolved into the Halloween we know today.
For some, Halloween is about partying, drinking and blasting good music with your friends. For others, it’s the one night of the year where you can step into another world and express the parts of ourselves we usually keep hidden. Dressing up is more than just putting on a costume; It gives people a chance to step outside their everyday roles.
From your favourite singer to a character from your favourite show, don’t be scared to show off your cool taste, it can sometimes reveal a piece of your inner world that you may not get to share everyday. There is something so beautiful about dressing up as your favourite character from a show or a singer who has made you feel seen or understood. And when you get to become that character for the night, it is empowering. Your costume is almost like an extension of who you are, or who you’d like to be. It’s a reminder that your interests, no matter how “weird” or different, are worth celebrating.
For anyone who often feels misunderstood, different, or that they don’t fit in anywhere, Halloween creates a space to be unapologetically yourself. It gives those who love dark aesthetics, unusual characters, or bold fashion to express themselves and their unique interests without judgment. Something I have realised as I’ve grown up is that I still love the same things that I used to when I was a kid, now I’m just more eager to share them with the world. As we get older, we’re told to act our age. Halloween challenges that. It invites us to be playful again, to wear what we love without fear of judgment, and to reconnect with the parts of ourselves that might’ve been pushed aside.
As much as Halloween is about getting into character, it’s also about the creative journey that gets you there, whether you make your costumes by hand or pick the perfect pieces from online. It’s a chance to turn something you love into real life. It’s a form of self-expression that allows you to dress up as something you love but also make it your own in the process. Halloween is more than just a holiday, it’s a time to express yourself, your interests and a good time to get your creative juices flowing.
So this year, embrace the beauty of Halloween, celebrate the kid you used to be and dress up, get silly, and let your imagination take over. You’re never too old to have fun.