As the nights draw in and Samhain begins, the Meath towns of Athboy and Trim burst into celebration, with the Púca Festival bringing four days and nights of folklore, food, myth and music, not to mention fire displays and otherworldly processions. Steeped in the history of Samhain, Trim and Athboy invite you to be part of this celebration of ancient myth and legend, and what better way to be part of the tradition than donning your own Samhain costume? There is a wealth of folklore to draw on for your outfit, so we’ve come up with a few tips on putting your festival costume together.
Myths, Masks and Inspiration
Costume and disguise were a central part of Samhain, an ancient time when the veil between worlds was at its thinnest and the mischievous Púca was roaming the land, waiting to play tricks on unsuspecting passers-by. To shield themselves from such encounters, people would don masks and costumes often mimicking mischievous spirits, hoping to fool them into thinking they were one of their own. These ancient Samhain traditions are relived as Púca Festival goers dress in costumes that reflect ancient traditions; think druids, faeries and banshees more so than modern film or horror characters. Think natural fabrics and homemade costumes rather than shop-bought outfits and masks. Let your imagination run riot with inspiration from Celtic cloaks to costumes based on the natural world, from animals to trees and anything in between. Looking for some ideas on what to wear? We’ve got you covered.
Picking Your Púca Costume
Get into the spirit at the Púca Festival by dressing up in your Samhain costume. Why not delve into the tradition of the festival and create a costume which links to the myths and stories of Samhain? It doesn’t need to be fancy; homespun will do nicely. Festival goers wear cloaks, capes and masks, all to immerse themselves in the tradition. The areas around Trim and Athboy are closely linked to Samhain, so you’ll become an active part of an ancient tradition in the area. Here are just a few suggestions for your Púca costume:
The Banshee (Bean Sí) is one of Ireland’s most well-known figures; the wailing women warning of doom with her cries and she’s a good character for a Samhain costume. Try some flowing grey or white fabrics or some tattered lace. Think about pale makeup and wild hair for this ethereal being. Go wild. She would.
Samhain was a time when wise ones took part in ancient ceremonies, so why not dress as a druid? Picture flowing cloaks adorned with Celtic patterns, crafted from natural fabrics in earthy tones. Add a hood for mystery and a belt woven from natural fibres. Shades of green, grey and autumnal brown will complete the look perfectly.
If you’re thinking of something whimsical, a faerie or Aos Sí, the otherworldly beings who thrived during Samhain, might be the thing. Rumoured to dwell under sacred mounds like Tlachtga – The Hill of Ward, overlooking Athboy, the faeries or Sí came in many different guises. Think of wings, bright fabrics or delve into the mysterious side with twisted crowns or ivy details.
There is always room for some Celtic legends, so expect to see the warrior Cú Chulainn or Queen Medb wandering Trim and Athboy during the Púca Festival.
No Samhain costume collection would be complete without the Púca itself and really anything goes. This shapeshifter can appear as an animal, a mysterious figure or a masked stranger among its repertoire. Let your imagination thrive with antlers, masks, face paint, leaves, hoods and colours of the land. Playful with a hint of mischief is the goal.
Tips for Prepping Your Púca Look
Make sure to keep warm and comfortable. Halloween weather is changeable so you’ll need to think about wearing layers as part of your costume; perfect for the earthy feeling of Samhain. Cloaks, capes, hats and anything that can protect you from the rain are a good idea; you’ll fit right in. Definitely pick some footwear suitable for walking, twirling and dancing on streets and greens, so boots or good comfortable shoes are a must. You want to enjoy yourself so don’t make your costume or accessories too cumbersome to wear or carry. Avoid anything sharp that could be uncomfortable or unsafe. If you’re donning a mask, make sure it fits, doesn’t dig in and most importantly, make sure you’re able to see out of it!
Being part of the Púca Festival is something that will stay with you forever. Get involved in the story of Samhain and become an integral part of this ancient celebration and of course, have lots of eerie fun along the way.
