Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. Then, in the eighth century, the Pope designated November 1st as a time of remembrance for all saints and martyrs. This holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. As the holiday evolved, many practices became associated with it: From lighting bonfires to “souling” (going door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for “soul cakes”) and chanting. But the part we love the most today? The costumes, of course!
From the most controversial to the scariest, the most original, and the classic favorites, we all have happy memories from Halloweens of yore, and especially, the costumes our parents put together for us.
“My favorite Halloween costume was in fourth grade. I was a bag of jellybeans,” recalls writer Jill Kargman. “My mom got a huge clear trash bag and poked leg and arm holes, and then we filled the whole torso with small halfway blown balloons and a bow around my neck at the top of the bag. It was super cute!”
Click through our slideshow for ideas on what to deck your little one out as this Halloween