Carnival, Carnival!!!

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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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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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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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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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!