Even though we Indians do not get to experience the quintessential autumn weather associated with Halloween, this western festival definitely has a special place in our hearts. Here are some of the predictions on what the most popular Halloween outfits will be.
Well, the spooky season is here, and we can’t keep calm! Even though we Indians do not get to experience the quintessential autumn weather associated with Halloween, this western festival definitely has a special place in our hearts. Just like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, Halloween is slowly gaining popularity in India, especially in the cities.
HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN
Halloween is a holiday celebrated on 31st October every year. Its origins go back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived 200 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and Northern France and celebrated their New Year on 1st November.
The Celts believed in a blurring in the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead on New Year’s Eve. Therefore, on the night of 31st October, the Celts celebrate the festival of Samhain. They believed that on this day, the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
By the 9th century, Christianity was spreading far and wide and influenced the Celtic lands as well. Eventually, the Christian All Soul’s Day amalgamated with the Samhain festival and turned into the Halloween that we know of today.
HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS TODAY
Saying that Halloween is a big deal in the West would be an understatement. Pumpkin spice and colourful autumn leave aesthetically falling to the ground as people wait in anticipation to go trick-or-treating and wear fun costumes to create the picture-perfect scenario of the much-awaited festival. Houses are adorned with carved pumpkins, known as Jack O’ Lanterns, skulls, bats, zombies and more.
The elders of the house pray for peace while the children go from home to home looking for candies and sweets. The most prominently visible part of Halloween is people wearing costumes. These costumes range from TV shows and movie characters to prominent personalities.
HALLOWEEN IN INDIA
Pop culture has had a lot to do with the rise in the popularity of Halloween in India. With increased exposure to American pop culture, films, cartoons and sitcoms, celebrating Halloween has caught up in a big way in India.
Just a few years ago, Halloween was not a known phenomenon in India, but with a new crop of parents who grew up watching western television, this trend of putting on costumes and getting in touch with your creative has taken a front seat.
COSTUME IDEAS
Undoubtedly, the most exciting part about Halloween is the costumes. If you are planning to celebrate it this year, you need a fantastic costume as well. Here are some of the predictions on what the most popular Halloween outfits will be:
Beth Harmon from The Queen’s Gambit
With the evolution of Beth’s fashion sense throughout The Queen’s Gambit, several pieces can be used to make your perfect Beth Harmon costume. A wig for the signature red bob, a neutral-toned dress and a pair of oxfords can do wonders.
Olivia Rodrigo in the “Good 4 U” music video
The music video for “Good 4 U” became viral, all thanks to Olivia Rodrigo’s angsty vocals and the eyeball grabbing outfits. A pastel coloured cheerleader outfit, black latex gloves and dainty hair clips are all that you need to channel the edgy, raging teenage popstar.
Members of K-pop band BTS
BTS has gained worldwide fame as a boyband, and members Jin, Suga, V, Jungkook, Jimin and J-Hope are no strangers to cool outfits that the whole world wants to replicate. Simplicity meets classy in each of the members’ styles. Their outfits while performing, as well as in their music videos, can make cool Halloween costumes.
The characters from Squid Game
This massively popular show has the perfect costumes for a Halloween look. It is easy, convenient and straightforward. A green matching tracksuit along with white sneakers will give you an exact look for a player. If you want to dress up as a guard, put on a red tracksuit with a mask.
Estella Miller from Cruella
Drama is the main component in Estella Miller’s outfits. Two-toned wigs, lace eye-masks and a bold red lip are perfect for nailing the Cruella look. To complete the costume, put on a black outfit from head to toe.
Bernie Sanders in the US President’s inauguration ceremony
The viral meme of Bernie Sanders sitting at the inaugural ceremony of the US president and Vice-president has left a lasting impression on the minds of netizens. To dress up as the Vermont senator, all you need to do is pair a light brown puffer coat with knotted gloves and a blue surgical mask, and you are good to go.
