During Halloween, everyone expects costumes be creative and, in some cases, creepy. However, if the 10 creepy vintage Halloween costumes below are any indication of past endeavors, the ghosts of Halloween past have truly inspired the spookiness of these trick-or-treaters. Just look at the last picture. That is truly scary and creepy at the same time.
Of course, Halloween has evolved over time. Today, the tradition is a fun celebration of everything spooky along with, of course, kids parading around in costumes they’ve made, purchased or their parents have provided, collecting candy, watching Halloween movies, making those jack-o-lanterns and decorating the house in eerie delight.
With all the fun, we lose sight of Halloween’s origins. Like many traditions, it started a long time ago by the ancient Celts (try about 2,000 years) with the festival of Samhain. The festival observed the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was the night of October 31. During that night, the Celts believed the spirits of the dead would return.
During Samhain, the Druids, who were the priests of the Celts, would build bonfires considered hallowed, around which people would wear costumes, mostly consisting of animal parts like heads, skins, etc. During the celebration they would also burn a portion of their crops and animals as a sacrifice to their gods. Samhain evolved as the Celts lands were invaded by numerous armies, including the Roman Empire.
There, if you knew all of that, congratulations. If you didn’t, you now have an understanding of some of the basis for costumed ghoulies and the treats given to appease those restless spirits. However, these 10 creepy vintage Halloween costumes would make even the most restless spirt cringe.
Can’t be Unseen
This image is what nightmares are made from! These four ghastly ghouls have costumed really meant to scare. What really sets off the picture though is the stark background. I could almost see these four dancing around the bonfire during Samhain evening.
Haunted Brides?
Not the scariest photo in this collection, but it still creeps us out! Perhaps Tim Burton got his inspiration for Corpse Bride from this trio of masqueraders.
Weird. Weird. Weird. – 10 Creepy Vintage Halloween Costumes
Is this a fashion statement by the couple? No. No. No. This just creeps us out. If these guys were giving out treats, they would scare more people away than they would attract.
Huh?
Was this guy the motivation for the movie, House of Wax, or perhaps just a really spooky ventriloquist? We can’t quite figure out what is going on here, but it is a spooky setting!
Weird Chefs
Just what you wanted when dining out on Halloween. It really does set the mood but can we get our order to go?
The Eyes Have It – 10 Creepy Vintage Halloween Costumes
Got to love this one. These guys have their eyes on your, literally. Creative, but still creepy.
Children of the Corn?
This is just too creepy. If these kids were the Peanuts gang, this would still be disturbing. But that is the point of Halloween. If so, these kids get all the treats they want.
Weird Family
Sure, dad’s mask is timid, but the rest… yeesh!
As if Clowns Aren’t Creepy Enough! – 10 Creepy Vintage Halloween Costumes
Clowns used to be comical. Funny. Perhaps these clowns just have a sick sense of humor.
This is What Happens When Halloween is Combined With Easter and Christmas
You get a frightening Easter bunny as a Santa for your Christmas joy or, in this case, nightmare. We really feel bad for this poor child!