Dear History Lover,

           Outside the window, there is a crisp autumn breeze. Remnants of fall foliage, resembling the colors of harvest pumpkins, reflect the waning sunset. Leaves dance and a waxing moon reigns over night. Americans don costumes and take to the streets. Declarations of “Trick or Treat!” fill the air and a playful mood is encouraged. Halloween rituals are a beloved aspect of American Culture. However, we explore similar traditions that share a fondness for costumes and role play around the globe. 

           On the first stop of this journey, we discover a boisterous and colorful Carnival festival. Closely linked to Roman Catholicism, Carnival celebrates the changing of the seasons. While exact timing varies by region, the festival is celebrated two weeks before the start of Lent. Lent, a 40-day observance practiced by Roman Catholics and other Catholic-influenced denominations (i.e. Anglicanism/Episcopalianism, et al), is marked by an abstention from indulgence, including: the consumption of meat, alcohol, and the practice of sexual intercourse. Other abstentions may be deeply personal to the celebrant. Cultures throughout the world have unique methods to enjoy Carnival.

 The most widely recognized international festival, Rio de Janeiro Carnaval, in Brazil, is followed closely in popularity by Carnevale di Venezia, in Italy, and Mardi Gras in the United States. These jubilant festivities are in stark contrast to the intense period of self-reflection observed during Lent. 

During Carnival, participants adorn themselves in vibrant colors and eccentric attire. While some cultures embrace sensuously revealing costumes, neon hues and impressive headdresses are a universal trend.

           From the eccentric celebration of Carnival, we journey to Jerusalem and explore the cultural significance of costumes in the celebration of Purim. "Purim," meaning “lots," is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar in the lunar calendar, generally coinciding with the months of February/March on the Gregorian calendar.

          Purim commemorates the survival of the Jewish community during the reign of the Persian Empire. As told in the Old Testament's Book of Esther, in the 5th century BCE, Esther was crowned Queen of the Persian Empire by King Ahasuerus (a.k.a. King Xerxes). Esther's Judaism being undisclosed, tensions mounted when Mordechai, the leader of the Jewish community and Esther’s cousin, refused to bow to Haman, a newly appointed, antisemitic royal vizier. Irate by Mordechai’s disobedience, Haman convinced King Ahasuerus to issue a decree of genocide: On the 13th day of Adar, all Jews in the Persian Empire would be murdered in a government-funded holocaust. Aware of the foreshadowed massacre, Queen Esther advised Mordechai and the Jews fast for three days and promised to turn the King's heart or to die trying. Queen Esther implored King Ahasuerus and Haman to join her for a feast during which she disclosed her Jewish identity and begged the King to show empathy for the Jews. In light of her courage and willingness to die, King Ahasuerus issued a new decree, granting the Jewish people the right to defend themselves from any enemy. Haman and his sons were executed the day the genocide was to occur. To commemorate Purim, celebrants fast the day before the holiday, gifts are bestowed upon family and friends, and costumes are an integral part of the festivity. Participants dress as historical figures from The Book of Esther to pay respect to their ancestors and vibrant history of survival.

          From a celebration of perseverance, we travel to the Bavarian Alps, Austria, Hungary, and Slovenia. Krampusnacht, also known as “Krampus Night,” is even practiced in parts of the United States and as distantly as Australia. Celebrated December 5th, the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, Krampusnacht serves as a counterpart to Christmas. According to lore, Krampus, an anthropomorphic, devil-like creature, steals gifts from mischievous children. Children sometimes leave a small boat outside their bedroom door with hopes they will find a reward there the following morning.

           If children are poorly behaved, they may find a bundle of twigs, known as “rutten,” instead of a gift. In some celebrations, adults costume themselves as Krampus, adorning carved masks with giant horns. 'Krampus' runs through the streets, ringing cowbells, and bestowing rutten upon apprehended victims. Although Krampusnacht is viewed as a counterpart to Christmas, its origins predate the Christian holiday. Though the origin story may remain elusive, Krampus is said to resemble Hel, the Norse Goddess of Death, as well as a Wiccan deity known as the Horned God of the Witches.

           Last in this costumed foray, we arrive in Mexico, celebrating Dia de Los Muertos; a rich tradition translated to “Day of the Dead.” While the holiday occurs Oct 31- Nov 2, there is no discernible correlation to the U.S. celebration of Halloween. The commemoration consists of three phases: As October 31st turns to the 1st of November at midnight, Dia de Los Angelitos commences. On this day, it is said that the gates of heaven open for 24 hours so that deceased children may run free to spend time with their mortal families.

          In gratitude, families visit the altars of their children with “ofrendas” (“offers”) of food, pictures, flowers, and gifts their child might enjoy. At midnight of November 3rd, the children return to Heaven and Dia de Los Difuntos begins. A time to honor deceased adults, this phase is similarly observed. Ofrendas may include: tequila, bread, spices, and more. At noon of November 2nd, the third phase of the commemoration Dia de Los Muertos begins. This public celebration for the deceased is marked by festivals across Mexico and the southern United States. Celebrants, adorned as skeletons, paint exquisitely detailed skulls on their faces. One of the most popular visages is that of La Catrina, a cartoon created by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Aguilar Posada (February 2, 1852 - January 20, 1913), which was inspired by Dia de los Muertos. 

           Around the world, folks enjoy costumes as a means to celebrate their ancestors, and as a reminder of historical eras that forged great cultures. Playing dress up permits us to travel beyond time and space and to embrace living history. These shared traditions affirm we have more in common than we think.

Historically yours,