17 African-Themed Halloween Costumes To Spice The Celebration

There are many festivities that take place all over the world with interesting origins and meanings. Today, we will look into one famous festival called Halloween and some of the African-themed costumes to spice up the celebration. Halloween is observed on Oct. 31 of every year. The festivity mostly happens in western countries but it is slowly finding roots in Africa and other continents.

Halloween is believed to have originated from the Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived over 2000 years ago in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and northern France. Later on, they migrated to North America from where the festival has spread to other parts of the world.

The Merging of Samhain And All Hallow’s Day

The Samhain festival which evolved to become Halloween is believed to have pagan roots. The festival was basically a ritual that marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The winter or cold season was deemed as the darker half of the year. Harvesting was also done at this time of the year. That meant that there was a lot of food.

Therefore, food, drink, and crop offerings were made to appease the Aos Si so as to ensure the survival of people and livestock throughout the winter. In the same manner, the offerings were made to appease the souls of the dead who were believed to return home seeking hospitality.

On the other hand, All Hallow’s Day was observed by the early Western Church. It was started by Pope Gregory III. This was the day in which the faithful remembered the dead saints, holy apostles, confessors, and martyrs. It was commemorated on Nov. 1.

The Germanic and the Celtic-speaking people who remembered the dead at the onset of winter were the congregants of this early church. In essence, this explains how the Samhain festival merged with All Hallow’s Day to become Halloween.

Halloween in African Culture

Most African cultures carry out various festivities and rituals to appease and commemorate the dead. Likewise, the ceremonies are observed to ward off evil spirits looking to torment the people. These astonishing rituals are done mostly during burials and circumcision. The Odo Festival in Nigeria, Makishi Masquerade in Zambia, and Gungu Festival in DR Congo are some of such popular rituals.

In all these festivities, one thing is common and that is the use of costumes. They were mainly worn to ward off ghosts. Having said that, Halloween was also marked by carving pumpkin lanterns, lighting bonfires, and the use of black and orange or golden colors for decoration.

Now you know a thing or two about Halloween, here are some African-themed Halloween costumes that are readily available on Amazon.

#1. Disguise The Princess & The Frog Girl’s Deluxe Tiana Costume

This light green and cream dress is the best gift for your little girl. The shiny light green material finishing the neckline and decorating the bodice and waist creates a modish and girly look. The sleek golden flat shoes accompany the dress so nicely.

#2. Dreamgirl Mens King of Egypt King Tut Costume, Gold, Medium (38-40) – 2X-Large (50-52)

Egyptian mummies are portrayed regularly in horror movies. How about bringing that feeling to life with this Egyptian-themed costume? Gold and black bring out the royal feel of this Egyptian king-themed Halloween costume. It heavily borrows from Egyptian royal attires worn by the pharaohs.

#3. Amscan 847814 Adult Egyptian Queen Cleopatra Costume, Small Size

The Egyptian queens adorned themselves with expensive jewelry and clothes. This African-themed Halloween costume is a perfect attire if you want to recreate this look. There is always an ardor of sorcery that goes with this costume.

#4. Leg Avenue Women’s Queen Cleopatra Costume