http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-magic-of-costumes.html
The Magic of Costumes
Adapted from Celebrating the Great Mother, by Cait Johnson and Maura D. Shaw (Inner Traditions, 1995).
There is actually a very deep and positive magic in costume: by choosing to embody certain qualities, we call them forth from our inner selves and invite them into our lives in a very real way. A costume can become the gateway to greater self-understanding and empowerment. And besides, it’s just plain fun to dress up! Our ancestors did it: mummers, costumed dancers, masques and masks, and German Fasching rites were all manifestations of the human love of disguise, of taking on the appearance of something other than the self, expanding the limits of the personality.
Here are some great tips for deciding which costume will help you to stretch and grow, forging a deep bond between the self you display to the world and the qualities of Self you want to strengthen and invite more fully into your life.
For our costume to take on any real significance, we need to feel an inner connection with the character or quality we decide to portray–the costume needs to have “soul” or spirit. We can give ourselves (and our children) a rich vocabulary of characters and images to draw upon, and encourage self-exploration in the form of inner journeys. The process of costuming with a sense of spirit is so much more deeply satisfying than just following the latest fad or trend.
So ask yourself: what are the qualities that you want to embody or strengthen in your life now? What characters from myth, fairy tale, films, or books resonate with you now? Check out Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ Women Who Run with the Wolves, Grimm’s fairy tales, or the myths of ancient civilizations. Archetypal stories are often so juicy that they speak to something in us that demands expression. Another way to go is to imagine what power animals, colors, or historical periods carry a charge or significance for you now. What does this information tell you about yourself?
Costume-making (or choosing) gains great depth from guided meditation; it is not surprising that this valuable technique for contacting the inner self is such a help to us at this inward-turning time of year. Relax and ground yourself and imagine walking in a beautiful place in nature until you come face to face with a character with whom you have a special connection, who has something to teach you, show you. Gradually return to ordinary reality. What did you learn?
One friend reports that, after a lifetime of being oh-so-quiet and well-behaved, she was suddenly called to embody Crow for a masked costumed event. Cawing raucously, she took great delight in being forceful, direct, and free: crows, after all, are social and seem to delight in fun. She has never been quite as quiet or well-behaved since!
Go to the Source
Celebrating the Great Mother
A handbook of earth-honoring activities for parents and children.buy nowrelated stories
-
-
(1 comment)
-
(36 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
6 comments
add your comment »I really agree with you. I personally think that people should have some good dressing sense. And one point that you have pointed out here is of out most important that you must have inner connection with the character you are going to portray.
r4
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I have to admit, I often choose a costume based on what I have on hand. I put a bit more thought into this year's; I am dressing as Susan Sto Let (granddaughter of Death from the Discworld novels by Pratchett), in her governess mode. A woman who looks almost like a stereotypical governess, except...the lock of black hair amidst the blond/white....the omega brooch at her throat...and that certain sense of Other that only children and monsters pay attentionto.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I love costumes and costuming, but have not sewn anything in quite a while. A couple of weeks ago, though, I decided it was time to start with a muffin cap. Lacking the energy to go through all my old fabric, I had fun perusing through the local fabric store and looking at all the marvelous colors and textures. I ended up with a beautiful deep medium blue cotton velveteen. It wasn't the color I had thought I wanted, but its just the color I needed and the impetus to clean and oil my sewing machine.
Fun article, Cait -- thanks!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
hi cait, loved your article. we have another version of this lifework using what we call 'character coats'. putting on the various coats we have created in our imaginations enables us to work appropriately in whatever situation we are in. imagination is a wonderful thing. the exterior image is a wonderful statement but i enjoy feeling the character on the inside and letting it work it's way out. my 5 year old has found this a valuable tool towards handling her temper or other's behaviours towards her. and it takes almost no time to change even the most elaborate costume to suit the moment!!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
I know someone who planned to attach a bunch of rubber frogs to her clothes for a costume. I asked her what she was supposed to be and she said..."One of the Seven Plagues of Egypt"
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Thank you Cait, Sage advice. I shall forward this to my daughter Caitlin.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: