What Is the Origin of Halloween Cosplay?

Halloween, also known as "Ghost Festival," is a holiday filled with mystery, fear, and celebration. For those who enjoy cosplay, this holiday is definitely not to be missed. So, how did Halloween come about, and why is it related to cosplay?

1. Origin of the Festival

The origin of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival called "Samhain," which means the end of summer. In Celtic belief, October 31st was the longest night of the year and marked the beginning of winter. They believed that on this day, the boundary between the spiritual world and the physical world was blurred. The Celts thought that the souls of the dead would return and overlap with the living world, and that evil spirits and demons would also appear. To ward off evil spirits and protect themselves, people would light large bonfires, wear scary masks and costumes to confuse the evil spirits. They would also offer sacrifices to the gods, hoping for protection and good fortune. With the Roman Empire’s rule over Celtic regions, traditional Celtic festivals merged with Roman religious customs. Over time, Halloween gradually evolved into a more celebratory and entertaining holiday. During the Middle Ages, people started the tradition of "soul parades," where they would go door to door on Halloween Eve asking for food in exchange for a promise to pray for the dead. By the 19th century, Irish immigrants brought Halloween traditions to the United States. In the U.S., Halloween gradually integrated into the local culture and gained wider celebration. People began to carve pumpkin lanterns and dress in various costumes for trick-or-treating activities.

2. Similarity to the Cosplay Theme

Firstly, cosplay itself is an activity where people portray fictional characters through imitation, dressing up, and performance. In a holiday like Halloween, which features makeup and costumes, cosplay naturally becomes an integral part. Secondly, cosplay also has a certain scary and mysterious vibe, which aligns well with the theme of Halloween. On Halloween, people typically dress up as various bizarre characters, such as ghosts, witches, vampires, etc., roles that often have similarities to those in cosplay. Therefore, engaging in cosplay during Halloween can better integrate into the festive atmosphere, enhancing the fun and appeal of the activities.

In conclusion, cosplay perfectly fits the theme of wearing unusual costumes for Halloween. On this specific holiday, cosplay becomes more acceptable to others, and over time, it gradually merges with Halloween. The new generation will spread the culture of the holiday even further.