The
last weekend of Carnival has already finished! I hope you had time to
enjoy it, to fancy dress and celebrate! Apart from the funny part,
Carnival has a bigger meaning behind, something that we don't think
anymore about nowadays.
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| PHOTO from http://www.diariovasco.com/multimedia/201602/06/media/desfile-donostia/0602-desfile-ss028.JPG |
In
the past, when the Church was much more influential than it is today,
the days preceding Lent were celebrated with great festivities,
breaking lots of the social norms and rules. However, it is very
important to remember, that all this had its roots in pagan rites,
when the end of February - beginning of March was considered as
a rite of passage from darkness to light, from winter to summer: a
fertility celebration, the first spring festival of the new year.
From the anthropological point
of view, carnival is a reversal ritual, in which social roles are
reversed and norms about desired behavior are suspended. That was the
time, when "everything was permitted, social mores were turned
upside down: the beggar became rich, men dressed as women, lay people
turned into clerics, priests into bishops, and so on."
(Orhipean; p. 90) Today we don't think anymore of the origins of our
Carnival, but most of us still enjoy it. And honestly, i believe we
should! Not many countries still keep this tradition alive and for
many foreigners coming here to celebrate Carnival is an extra bonus
to their trip. For example, in my country of origin, Poland, fancy
dresses are rather fro children. Adults go to parties called
"ostatki", but it's just a party, sometimes a bit more
intense than the regular one, but nevertheless, usually there are no
fancy dresses.
If
you are still reading it, you are probably aware now of my obsession
over costumes... Yes, I believe that deep inside my inner child is
dancing each time I have an opportunity to dress up as someone else.
And when I say dress up, I don't mean buying one of those ready
costumes, I mean doing it yourself all way through! Over the years
I've mastered some last minute solutions (you know, the best parties
are the ones you haven't planned!) and here I will share 5 5-minutes
costumes with you, in case on Monday or Tuesday you would like to go
(or maybe organise) Last-Minute Carnival 2017 Party, I hope it will
give you some inspiration!
1.
Bank Robber
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It's
the easiest thing one can think of! Just put on some black attire,
the best is something well-fitting, leggings and turtleneck sweater,
black beanie, black sneakers or ballet flats. All these you probably
have at home. Now look for some white pillow case, and draw a huge $
sign on both sides of it. Carry it over your shoulder. Believe me, it
looks great. One last thing you need is an eye mask. You can buy one
in a costume shop and paint it black (I don't recommend it, it tends
to be quite rough in the bridge of your nose) or do one yourself: you
can use an old T-shirt or some old stockings. Just cut out two holes
for your eyes in a wide stripe and tie it onto your face. I did it
last Halloween in literally 7 minutes and it looked good!
2.
Frida Kahlo
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| PHOTO from http://deannewilliamson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/AVT_Frida-Kahlo_9526.jpg |
If
you have dark hair, the only things you need are: a long skirt,
baggy, front open sweater or huge scarf (flowery scarf is the best!)
to wrap it around you and a flower crown. The rest is makeup and it
will take even less than 5 minutes. The flower crown you can buy, or
do it yourself: you will need some fake flowers, a wide headband and
some glue gun. If you don't have dark hair a wig will do, but you
have to remember to buy it before!
3.
Wednesday Adams
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Short
black straight dress, black tights and white collar, or white shirt
underneath the dress. And two braids; real ones or a wig: it doesn't
really matter. Is there anything easier than that? Your skin should
be pale, or painted almost white for more drama.
4.
A ghost
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| PHOTO from http://cdn.skim.gs/images/v1/msi/ob8afg9mkqdeldlsdeqp/ridiculously-easy-halloween-costumes-using-only-a-bedsheet |
Ok,
that's not very original, but if you really have nothing to do the
costume and absolutely no time, that might be your only solution: a
white under sheet, not too long, so you don't trip over it, but long
enough to cover at least your knees. Put it on you and mark the
places to cut out the eye holes and some arm holes (if you decide to
cut those don't forget to wear something with long white sleeves
below the sheet). Not the best, but at least saves you from being a
party pooper.
5.
Clark Kent/Superman
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| PHOTO from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/ff/3b/2a/ff3b2ae1696b99d568890efa89f1988b.jpg |
Jeans
or any trousers and white shirt you have for sure. The only “tricky”
part may be the Superman T-shirt. Wear it under the white shirt,
which should be more than half open to leave it visible. Glasses with
black frames complete the outfit. Voila! Ready!
If
you decide to use any of these last minute ideas, share the pics with
us in the comments! Here you have me, as a bank robber last
Halloween:
Have
fun!
