“In masks and gowns we haunt the street and knock on doors for trick or treat.” Jack Prelusky, a children’s poet, knew exactly what Halloween is about. The inner child we all carry certainly remembers the days of witches and goblins… or was it princesses and super heroes?
Halloween began over 2000 years ago as “Samhein” when ancient Celts lit bonfires and donned costumes to ward off evil spirits of another world who supposedly ruined the end of their harvest. Eventually Christianity incorporated a few of the Samhein traditions and chose the day after to honor saints and the dead. The evening before became known as “Hallowed” eve… Halloween.
In the early 20th century costumes were primarily homemade and spooky… witches, goblins, or skeletons. Trick or Treat became popular with children going door to door hoping no one recognized them. In the depression, there was little money to waste on candy or other treats and unfortunately, Halloween became more “trick” than “treat.”
Nostalgic Costumes
The following is a listing of costumes many Seniors may remember or even worn as children.
- 1940 – 1950: Rosie the Riveter, pilots, sailors, Wonder Woman
- 1950 – 1960: Cowboys and cowgirls, Mickey and Minnie, Davey Crockett, Frankenstein, Zorro
- 1960 -1970: Hula girls, Batman, Sonny and Cher, The Adams Family, Elvis, Astronauts
- 1970 -1980: Willy Wonka, Nixon, Darth Vader, Obi Wan Knobi, Princess Leia
Halloween has always had a ghost, Princess, or human pumpkin. Costumes reflect current culture and times. Each Senior and their loved ones enjoy seeing little monsters and tiny royalty parade through their neighborhoods. Halloween is a time to revisit our youth.
Bridge to Better Living invites you to come in and sit for a spell. We will park all brooms at the door. Seniors and their loved ones are fangtastic parts of our world and we are ready to assist each client find a bootiful new home in Retirement Living. Transition Consultants are all about treats, not tricks. Contact Bridge to Better Living today. Masks are optional.