The Truly Terrifying Halloween Costumes Of The Victorian Era

Well, there’s creepy Halloween costumes and then there’s frankly nightmare-inducing levels of creepy. Thanks to the 19th century, one can simply look back at their Halloween costume designs for some genuinely spooky inspired garments. There is already something quite chilling about black and white photographs from the Victorian era, looking back at the faces of ancestors who seem so distant can arise a multitude of emotions. However, while we may view our 19th-century forgoers as stiff and set in their ways, they certainly knew how to have fun and, just like us, enjoyed Halloween celebrations. 

The October 31st tradition we call Halloween came out of the ancient Celtic harvest festival known as Samhain and the observance of All Hallows Eve which was brought to America in the mid-1800s, where its popularity exploded. 

Much like today, in the Victorian era, Halloween was a time to let loose. Parties were common, featuring dancing and food and were a chance to show off. A good costume could get the eyes of a suitor firmly on you, and so making sure you had an acceptable outfit was of high importance. Bats, witches, cats and devils were popular choices, however, the Victorian’s had a morbid obsession with the dead which weaved its way superbly into their festive celebrations. Seances and dalliances with Oujia boards were common all year round, but at Halloween, they truly indulged and some of their costumes could make a grown adult shriek in terror. 

While we’re sure you already have your costumes planned, we still offer these disturbing images to you in case you find them valuable in any way. Don’t come running to us when you see them in your nightmares, we did warn you!

(Some images may be early 20th century, many are very hard to date.)