From ancient rituals to today’s pop-culture references, Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald, Head of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore in UCD shares fascinating insights on Halloween dressing
Have you ever wondered why dressing up in costumes is such a big part of Halloween? This beloved tradition, celebrated today with everything from superheroes to elaborate creations, has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.
It might surprise many to learn that Halloween costumes weren’t always about fun or fantasy. Long before fancy dress became a playful tradition, it was a matter of survival. During Samhain, people believed disguises were vital for protection – a way to hide from or ward off roaming spirits. What we now see as light-hearted fun was once a deeply held ritual steeped in fear, folklore, and the supernatural.
The birth of Halloween
Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the veil between the living world and the spirit world was believed to be at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass into our plane. Familial ancestors from the world of the dead were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off.
The festival was celebrated by lighting bonfires, feasting, and engaging in various rituals to honour those that went before us and protect themselves from malevolent spirits.
During the night of Samhain, it was customary to wear costumes as a form of protection. The Irish in previous generations believed that disguising themselves as harmful spirits would help them avoid detection by these entities. By blending in, they hoped to avoid any harm or mischief the spirits might cause such as stealing them and bringing them back into the otherworld. This practical approach to disguise was a far cry from today’s playful and creative interpretations, acting as a means of protection during the festival.
This enduring connection between disguise, identity, and nature is beautifully captured in this year’s newly unveiled Púca Festival costume, ‘Roots’. Designed by Irish artist Stephanie Z. Johnson, the handcrafted creation is made from locally sourced, sustainable materials including Irish wool, recycled yarn, and natural dyes. ‘Roots’ stands as a living tribute to disguise in nature, symbolising both our connection to the land and the festival’s ongoing commitment to creativity, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. The festival kicks off from tomorrow.
Evolution of dress-up
As Halloween evolved over centuries, so did the tradition of wearing costumes. What began as a protective measure transformed into an opportunity for creativity and expression. In modern times, costumes range from the terrifying to the whimsical, with celebrities and everyday people alike spending months planning the intricate details of their Halloween attire, playing on viral trends and adding twists to the old-reliables. It allows us to indulge with our love around fancy-dress.
At Púca Festival 2025, this evolution continues. The Púca Workshop in Athboy, Co. Meath led by Brian Walsh, Púca Festival Master Maker and Community Builds Manager, is alive with activity as local makers, artists, and craftspeople prepare for the spectacular Púca Procession, led by the new Púca Mór, taking place on Saturday, 1 November. Every detail from fabric and feathers to masks and movement is crafted by hand, echoing the ancient art of disguise and the enduring Irish tradition of creativity.
Tradition in today’s world
Today, Halloween costumes serve a different purpose. If opting away from traditionally scary outfits, they allow individuals to explore different identities, celebrate their favourite characters, and showcase their creativity. From intricate handmade outfits to store-bought ensembles, the variety and ingenuity of Halloween costumes continue to grow each year.
Creating a traditional Halloween costume is a wonderful way to honour perceptions of ancient Celtic traditions. To make an authentic costume, using natural materials like burlap, leather, foliage, and fur to craft garments will create something like the animal skins and rustic attire reminiscent of earlier times. Masks made from carved wood or papier-mâché, painted with earthy tones and adorned with feathers, can evoke the spirit of the mischievous Púca. As we don our costumes and join the festivities, we’re not only celebrating Halloween but also reviving the enchanting traditions of the Púca Festival, blending past and present in a truly spectacular way.
Developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath County Council, Púca Festival celebrates Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween with an authentic, immersive, and otherworldly festival that is both contemporary and deeply traditional. Taking place from Thursday, 30 October to Sunday, 2 November 2025 across Trim and Athboy, this year’s theme ‘Connecting with Our Roots’ invites us to explore the ties that bind us to our ancestors, our land, and the ancient customs that continue to influence how we celebrate Halloween today.
