Celebrate Thanksgiving with a Costume

Most of us know how Thanksgiving came about, when the early English colonists shared a meal with the Wampanoag indians back in 1621. Long since regarded as the first Thanksgiving, the meal led to a 50 year relationship between the settlers and the Indians, and the Indians taught those early colonists to catch fish, grow corn and avoid poisonous plants. Today, Thanksgiving is looked forward to and celebrated all across America, with a meal, a family gathering and perhaps choosing and wearing a Thanksgiving costume.

One way to choose a costume is to look at the history of the holiday and how it came about, and many of us can trace our ancestry to an indigenous Indian tribe or some of those early settlers. Thanksgiving is a special holiday, one that is unique to the United States and it is fun to celebrate by dressing up. Many of the more popular Thanksgiving costumes are in an Indian or a Pilgrim style, although if you are looking for something perhaps more romantic, you may want to dress as John Smith or Pocahontas.

You can also find ideas for historical costumes by either browsing on line, or looking through a few history books. Costumes vary and range from elaborate and beautiful native American costumes, to authentic Pilgrim clothing that will make you look as though you have just stepped from the 17th century. One approach is to do some research to determine which Indian tribe may be a part of your family history, and then choose a costume that reflects their culture and history. Dressing as a Pilgrim is an obvious choice, although you should be sure to dress appropriately as the Pilgrims were very conservative and religious.

A native American costume may be just the thing if you want something more colorful and decorative, and you can get ideas on line, or your local library will have books with color illustrations of dress. Do not forget the finishing touches to your outfit, by adding a wig, moccasins and jewelry, all of which will make your outfit more realistic. If you are looking for a costume that is both authentic and original, keep in mind that most Indian clothing is and was symbolic and representative of a particular tribe.

Many schools and churches put on Thanksgiving plays for the holiday. If your child is participating in a school or church play for you'll want to make sure you order his or her costume in time. Make absolutely sure you order the correct size.

Visit our Thankgiving costume section of the site to see our selection of pilgrim and Native american costumes