Of course, here in Steinbach, we don’t celebrate Halloween, but for city folks who are just pretending to be Mennonites, here are a few costume ideas for the big day. It’s always a risk anytime you flirt will Halloween, but we’re pretty sure, if you have participate, that these costumes won’t get you sent to the less desirable Lutheran section of Heaven. We also made sure not to include any real Mennonites on this list because even the sort of Mennonites who participate in Halloween want to try something different for a day.
So, who are you going as?
- Billy Graham – The best thing about this costume is it doesn’t require much preparation at all. Just put on your Sunday suit, shave your beard, and start preaching! You can even go door-to-door.
- Tevye – Every Steinbacher’s favourite movie character, since it’s the only movie we’re allowed to watch, Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof is a loveable and instantly recognizable character. Plus you get to sing “Tradition! Tradition!” which goes over well with Mennonites.
- Maria von Trappe
– Of course, you have to dress like Maria von Trappe post-Intermission after she’s tossed the habit and married Mr. von Trappe. We can’t have you going out there pretending to be a Catholic … although that would make for a pretty scary costume.
- Catherine the Great – She’s the one who let the Mennonites into the Russian Empire. Plus she’s kind of a German or something. Just like the Mennonites of southern Manitoba; we’re also only kind of Germans, too.
- A star of TV’s Hymn Sing – Like the Billy Graham costume, the best thing about this one is you don’t have to change out of your Sunday best. Plus, some of you probably were actually on Hymn Sing, which means you’re not actually deceiving anyone, which is always the most sinful thing about Halloween – the deception.
- Jessica Fletcher
– Who doesn’t love Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote? Now, we’re not a big fan of the murder theme. However, since you’re solving murders not causing them, it should be okay.
- Danny Orlis – A Hardy Boy in northern Minnesota. Not only does he solve mysteries, but he also presents a good wholesome example to all his neighbours. As the book cover says, Danny Orlis is “dedicated to the proposition that you don’t have to be out of it to be a Christian.” No, really, it actually says that. A perfect Halloween costume for 2024 if you want to be hip!
- Laura Ingalls Wilder -Basically just wear your normal Mennonite attire and you’re already halfway there.
- Heintje – This is a groovy option for all the young people out there – Dutch singing sensation Heintje! I know I’d donate a heck of a lot of candy to keep him off my front yard.
- The Dutch Blitz girl – Okay, so you’ve got this costume already, but to be recognized as the Dutch Blitz girl, you’re going to have to make sure you have a nice healthy stride and are always facing left.
