We generally think of masks and costumes as things we hide behind, things we can use to conceal or disguise ourselves. But when we choose the masks we wear for, say, Halloween, are we perhaps showing more than we’re hiding?
While price, comfort and convenience are certainly factors, the bottom line is that when you choose a Halloween costume, you're choosing a fantasy – and your choices provide a glimpse into your inner self.
Scientific and anecdotal evidence certainly supports the idea that costumes are expressions of the inner self. Masks and other forms of anonymity allow you to be uninhibited. The self you show people on a daily basis is only a part of your complete personality. There are drives that may not always be understood, but they are in action.
People select costumes based on what is commercially available, but what they choose also reflects an identity that the person can express when they feel it is safe to be uninhibited.
So when you don that Frankenstein mask for your office Halloween party, what message are you sending your co-workers? Here’s what various costume types may reveal about the wearer:
Your costume is: |
Your costume says: |
Sexy (French maid)
|
You keep your sexuality under cover most of the year, so you see Halloween as a time to let loose.
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Famous
(movie star or politician)
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You’re trendy and want to show that you know what’s going on in the world, or at least in Hollywood. You want people to associate you with certain star qualities, like confidence and power.
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Scary
(Dracula)
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Like most people, you’ve got some fears. But by becoming the thing you’re scared of, you gain a sense of control over your fears.
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Innocent
(princess, fairy)
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You long for a return to a safer and simpler time, such as childhood.
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Evil
(serial killer, historical baddie)
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You have a dark side, and like to use Halloween as a way to safely and creatively express it. Or you are (consciously or unconsciously) trying to alienate others, which indicates you might not be comfortable with intimacy.
|
Powerful
(superhero, action movie star)
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On Halloween, you get to live out your fantasy of omnipotence. This may mean you’ve got underlying feelings of helplessness and insecurity in you everyday life. |
Do you and your partner like to dress up together? Find out what your choices may say about you as a couple.
Your costumes are: |
Your costumes say: |
A matching pair (two Hershey’s kisses or a nurse and doctor) |
You want to show the world you’re connected. It’s the personification of romance. |
Two superheroes |
You and your partner may be embroiled in a power struggle. |
Strong man/submissive woman
(Tarzan and Jane) |
For one night at least, you want play out traditional gender roles where the man is charge. |
| Campy cartoon characters |
As a couple, you have a highly developed sense of humor and an equally well developed sense of individual identity. |
| Dominatrix and a man on a leash |
For one night at least, you want to turn traditional gender roles upside down. |
True.com is currently conducting a survey on Halloween trends and costume preferences. Check back soon for survey findings!
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