Whole Foods is overcharging for pumpkins, candy is overflowing grocery store shelves (turkey flavored candy corn, anyone?) and you probably spent too much money on apple cider at the farmer’s market. That’s right, spooky season is once again upon us, and Halloween lovers are rejoicing at the fake cobwebs and glitter-covered bats on every corner.
This is no trick and all treat: We’ve compiled a list of the best and the worst Catholic Halloween costumes to help you decide on your disguise.
But for all the fall festivities and charmingly hokey decorations, every year the holiday also creates a classic costuming conundrum: What should you dress up as? If you are a Halloween-loving Catholic tired of the overplayed sexy angel and devil costumes, you are not alone. But it is possible to celebrate the day in a way that is both faithful and festive! Borrowing from Catholic culture can be a fun and creative option for dressing up at any age. This is no trick and all treat: We’ve compiled a list of the best and the worst Catholic Halloween costumes to help you decide on your disguise.
If your costume has been waiting for some divine inspiration, here are some of the best that Catholicism has to offer.
A baby or dog dressed as the pope. While this costume may not be theologically correct, it is infallibly cute! Bonus points if you dress as a Swiss guard to escort your tiny bishop of Rome through the neighborhood.
Moses. Whip out the old Birkenstocks for this easy classic! A fake beard and a big stick will take you far. Grab some friends to be your Red Sea and you are on your way to the Promised Land!
Biblically accurate angel. A zesty take on an old classic, this time with more eyes! This one is fun because you are limited only by your imagination and the laws of physics. Don’t forget to shout “BE NOT AFRAID” at passersby to really get the full effect!
If you are a Halloween-loving Catholic tired of the overplayed sexy angel and devil costumes, you are not alone. It is possible to celebrate the day in a way that is both faithful and festive!
Re-used nativity and passion play costumes. Who doesn’t want to be a shepherd, centurion or wise man? A quick raid of the parish closet and you can be serving anno domini realness in no time—all while practicing for your upcoming role in the Christmas pageant.
Catholic saint. DIYers, this one’s for you! It’s time to grab your art supplies and try making one of those trendy gold headpieces from Pinterest. If you are feeling particularly saintly, you could even share some of your Halloween candy instead of eating it all by yourself.
Skeleton. Everyone loves a memento mori! For an extra Catholic spin, visit an ossuary for inspiration. Seasonally appropriate and educational—what more could you ask for?
Nothing can ruin Halloween for yourself and others faster than a bad costume. Whether inappropriate, disrespectful or just ill-considered, some looks are worse than just not dressing up at all. In the world of Catholic Halloween costumes, these are some of the worst.
Sexy nun. Why would you want this? This is a costume that screams “I don’t respect women,” religious or otherwise. If you have worn this outfit, you should probably say a Hail Mary to apologize.
Britney Spears. Just because you still have your Catholic school uniform skirt shoved somewhere in your closet does not mean this is the time to break it out again. #FreeBritney from your “Baby One More Time”-themed costumes and stop contributing to the sexualization of schoolgirls.
Priest. The vocational crisis is no joke! Oct. 31 is the only night of the year there seems to be enough priests running around. While we understand you may want holy water on hand for Halloween, you should leave this outfit to the ordained lest someone start confessing their sins.
Whether you resurrect an old favorite or baptize a new look—this Halloween, why not go Catholic?
Monstrance. Yes, you read that right. Spotted at New Orleans Halloween celebrations, this one involves a gold spandex suit and a ring of gilded cardboard rays worn around the face. Although we love the creativity, there is a whole host of reasons (pun intended) that this is a bad idea; suggesting your face is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ is one of them.
Jesus. We know that all you have to make your costume is a bedsheet, but you need to be more creative. As much as you might want to, you can’t turn water into wine, so stop pretending.
Devil. Wanting to raise a little hell on Halloween is an understandable impulse, but probably not your best bet. Catholics already know the devil tries to work through all of us. Plus, there’s nothing new about this look. Tell this boring costume to get behind thee, Satan!
With this trusty Halloween guide, your holiday can be both spiritual and spooky! Whether you resurrect an old favorite or baptize a new look—this Halloween, why not go Catholic?
Have any favorite Catholic Halloween costumes? Share them in the comments below.
