Struggling with what costume to wear for this Halloween? We’ve got you covered here at History Unboxed with some traditional and niche history-based costume ideas! 

Mummy– Get ancient with a mummy costume. A classic choice, you can celebrate thousands of years of Ancient Egypt.  And don’t forget that learners can make their own apple mummy–no brain hook required–in Egypt Unboxed

A fanciful representation of Rebecca Nurse’s trial from The Witch of Salem, or Credulity Run Mad by John R. Musick

Witch from the Salem Witch Trials– While you’ve likely seen people dressed in all-black as witches, have you considered being Sarah Good or Rebecca Nurse who were convicted of witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692? You can also choose your own adventure as a resident of Salem in Plymouth Unboxed.

Werejaguar– Werewolves are out. Werejaguars are in! Learn all about these mythological Olmec creatures in Olmec Unboxed which even includes a mask that can be decorated to look like a jade werejaguar! 

Murex Snail– If you’re looking for a costume that is less spooky and more slimy, how about the snail that built a civilization? Tyrian purple, though smelly to produce, created wealth for merchant traders in ancient Phoenicia all thanks to the little sea snails. Phoenicia Unboxed includes a purple dying kit as well as a Murex snail shell! 

 

Plato’s Academy depicted in a mosaic in Pompeii

Greek Philosopher Plato– The great thing about a Plato costume is that you can reuse it as an Aristotle costume the next year! There is no limit to the versatile himation costume. Learn more about the great thinkers of Ancient Athens in Athens Unboxed.

Box of Tea Thrown into Boston Harbor – Do you have extra boxes laying around? Use one to make this perfect American History-themed costume! Learn about the importance of tea in pre-Revolutionary America in American Revolution Unboxed

Terracotta Warrior– Knights can be overdone, so why not be an ancient Chinese warrior from the army of Emperor Qin? Don’t forget that while the warriors have now lost their pigment, they were once brightly painted. Learn all about this amazing artistic feat in Ancient China Unboxed

 

An embroidered image of Halley’s Comet from the Bayeux Tapestry

Halley’s Comet from the Bayeux Tapestry– A star with a streaming tail, now known to be Halley’s Comet, appeared in the sky in 1066 and  was seen as a bad omen for the Anglo-Saxon king Harold who died later that year. What’s scarier than a bad omen? 

Queen Seondeok of Silla– Instead of Queen Elsa, how about this amazing queen of Korea? Learn about her reign and love of star gazing in Korea Unboxed

 

 

Detail of the Catalan Atlas (c.1370) showing Mansa Musa sitting on a throne and holding a gold coin.

Nugget of Gold– Strike it rich with this fun Gold Rush-themed costume. It could easily be made into a group costume with someone else being an eager Forty-Niner! Learn more about the California Gold Rush in Going West Unboxed

Mansa Musa– For another, gold-themed costume, why not go as the richest person who ever lived? Mansa Musa of the Mali Empire controlled and taxed the gold-rich areas of West Africa. Learn more about his glittering kingdom in Mali Unboxed

 

 

 

 

 

Why do people dress up for Halloween? What are the origins of Halloween? When did they start to pass out candy? All these amazing questions are answered in our Halloween Unboxed Digital Magazine

 

What will you be this Halloween? Will your Halloween costume be history themed?

 

Rebecca McCormick is a writer and editor based in Fairfax, Virginia. She has a passion for history education and holds an MA in History of Decorative Arts. Rebecca believes that hands-on history and interacting with objects help learning come alive for children and adults.