Dressing up in disguise is often a child's favorite part about Halloween. Kids plan their costumes for months and months changing their mind several times. Adults often get into the fun of costumes and disguises, too. Purim is a Jewish holiday that allows families the opportunity to dress up in costumes in the Spring.
Purim
In the Jewish story of Purim, King Ahasueras (aah-ajs-you-wear-us) is influenced by his evil assistant, Hamen, to kill all the Jewish people in the land. The heroine of Purim is Queen Esther, a Jewish girl married to the king. Esther's childhood guardian, Mordecai convinces Esther to ask the King to spare the Jewish people. Esther succeeds and the Jews are saved and the evil Hamen is put to death.
Great festivals and celebrations where guests dress in costume and play carnival games often mark celebrations of Purim. Costumes Inspired by the characters in the Megillah (Book of Esther) are favorites.
Esther Costumes
Undoubtedly the most popular choice for little girls and women, Esther is a queen (though never a princess.) Dressing up as Esther can mean many things. Before Esther was queen, she was just a jewish girl living in Persia. That could mean a simple set of linen robes. Colors worn back then would have been earthen tones or even whites but not vibrant shades; those were expensive, and reserved for royalty. Once Esther became a queen, her wardrobe would have included more vibrant colors like deep reds and purples. She would also have worn more jewelry, including gold and precious gems.
It isn't necessary, though to stick to reality. Purim is an "anything goes" kind of holiday and men are welcome to dress up as Queen Esther, too. Modern day princess costumes (like the Disney Princesses) are acceptable, as well. Don't forget the crown. What queen would dare go to a festival without her crown?
Hamen Costumes
Hamen is a popular disguise, surprisingly. People dressing up as Hamen often wear ugly masks, black cloaks of doom and carry evil tools of death. Hanging was the popular way to put people to death in those days, and Hamen and his ten sons were hanged at the gallows in the end. Wearing a noose around the neck would be a good way to dress up as Hamen. He is known for wearing a three-pointed hat that inspired the Hamentaschen cookies popular during Purim feasts.
King Ahasuerus Costumes
King Ahasuerus would also be wearing brightly colored robes. Because of his stature, the colors and textures of his clothing would be more vibrant and exciting than those of Hamen or Mordecai. Rich, golden crowns with or without gemstones would also be appropriate. Other kingly accessories would be a scepter or maybe a belt of gemstones and gold.
Mordecai Costumes
A common Jewish man would have been wearing a yarmulke and his everyday robes of earthen colors. Leather sandals and perhaps a leather-roped belt would be the perfect accessories.
Purim Masks
Some people choose to wear masks in celebration of Purim. This is a perfectly acceptable disguise. Purim masks are as bright and detailed as any you'd see at the fanciest masquerade ball.
Other Costumes
Purim is a celebration of rejoicing. In the spirit of Purim, even Superhero costumes are common sights. In fact, one could argue that Esther herself displayed superhero qualities in rescuing all of the Jews from Hamen’s genocidal plot. There are no rules about what costumes are inappropriate for Purim- anything goes.
Purim Celebrations
Whether you decide to make a costume or buy one, Purim is bound to be a lot of fun. You can participate in the reading of the megillah, which is often a dramatic event. As the story is told (or sometimes acted out) the audience cheers when the name of Esther is mentioned and boos and hisses at the name of Hamen. Noisemakers called groggers are often used during the story to drown out the name of Hamen.
Carnival games are often played, and there are plenty of delicious treats to go around. Eating sweets and drinking alcohol is actually encouraged in Purim, even without moderation. It’s a time for cutting loose, and dancing with the excitement of knowing that you’re alive. Because if King Ahasuerus hadn’t believed Esther when she told him of Hamen’s intentions, all the Jews in Persia would have been killed.
For more Children's Purim Activities, visit Torah Tots or Aish for lesson plans, activities, games, information and coloring pages.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
