The Early Martyrs

The Church faced much persecution in her infancy – and where there is persecution, there are opportunities for heroes to emerge. Countless Christians – young mothers, nobles, slaves, Roman guards, and every day men and women -- gave their lives in the name of Christ.

Perpetua, a noblewoman from Carthage, and her servant Felicity bravely marched to an amphitheatre of wild beasts around A.D. 203. Historians consider Perpetua’s writings on their persecution, imprisonment, and impending martyrdom the oldest surviving text penned by a Christian woman. Costume: A robe of pretty material accompanied by bracelets, jewelry, and adornments worn in the hair, symbolizing Perpetua’s noble status.

Biblical Characters

Noah and his ark. Moses and the Ten Commandments. Rebekah and her watering jar. Queen Esther and her court. John the Baptist and his clothing made of camel's hair. Joseph and his colored coat. There are many fascinating characters in the Bible that could make for some interesting costumes.

One mom combined creativity with simplicity by dressing her son as the Apostle Peter. She draped him in a sheet for a robe and gave him a fishing hat with fish lures pinned through the hat, symbolizing his status as a “fisher of men.” Another common symbol for Peter is a set of keys, for the Scripture where Jesus gives Peter the “keys of the kingdom.” (Matt 16:19)

Another fun costume for boys might be St. Joseph, the Carpenter. Scripture, although somewhat sparse on details, reveals he was a compassionate, faithful, and righteous man. When he learned of his betrothed’s unexplainable pregnancy, he decided to “divorce her quietly” so as not to leave her to ridicule or even death (Matthew 1: 19-25). When an angel appeared to him in a dream, revealing the true nature of Mary’s pregnancy, he was obedient to God. He traveled great distances to raise and protect Jesus, fleeing to Egypt to avoid Herod’s slaughter, and living an obscure life in Nazareth. Costume: brown and green robes, carpenter’s square, tools. Or, instead of robes, cargo pants and a tool belt with a cross around the neck.

The Angels

Although the angels are not human saints, their heroic characters are worth emulating. Plus, they’d make for some fun costumes.

The archangel Michael appears in the Old Testament and in the Book of Revelation. He is called “one of the chief princes” (Dan 10: 13). Scripture and tradition identify him as a warrior for God, some even considering him the commander of God’s angelic army. In medieval times, he also became a symbol of chivalry. Costume: wings, armor, a sword, and a set of scales for justice.

Like Michael, Gabriel appears in both the Old and New Testaments. He appears with Michael in the Book of Daniel, and is traditionally considered the messenger who appeared to Mary to announce the conception of Jesus. Gabriel is chiefly identified as God’s messenger. Costume: Wings, yellow and white robes, halo, messenger's scroll.

Saints from More Recent Eras 

From the early Church fathers to 20^th century poets, there are countless Christians whose stories weave a vibrant tapestry of Christian history. These three are noteworthy, but barely scratch the surface, so check out the resources at the bottom for more.

Maximillian Kolbe (1894-1941) was a Polish priest who came of age in the days building up to Nazi Germany. As a pastor, he boldly proclaimed the Gospel message to the world through his writings and ministry, traveling as far as Japan. He is most known for his final heroic act at Auschwitz where he was imprisoned for his faith. One day, his captors decided to kill ten prisoners as punishment for an escape attempt. Chosen among the ten was a Jewish husband and father who pleaded for his life. Kolbe stepped out of line, offering to take the father’s place. He was the last of the ten prisoners to die, ministering to the other nine as they withered away of starvation. Costume: Thick, round-rimmed glasses. Traditional Franciscan robe (A long, dark robe tied with a rope at the waist, sandals).

Kateri Tekakwitha, or “Lily of the Mohawks.”A Native American, Kateri was born in 1656 in New York.. Her father was a Mohawk warrior. When she was four, her mother died and two aunts and an uncle adopted her. She was baptized Christian at age 20 having accepted salvation in Christ as a teenager. Kateri’s faith was a source of suffering for her, but she never abandoned her Christian beliefs. As a young woman, Kateri traveled to a Christian colony of Native Americans located in Canada. She showed much devotion to the Lord through her prayer and service to those in need. On April 7^th, 1680 Kateri died at the young age of 24. Her life and death inspire Christian devotion among the Native American population to this day. Costume: Traditional Native American (preferably Mohawk) dress, braided hair, accompanied with a cross around the neck.