Purim is a holiday that’s all about good food, good company, and great costumes. But where did these elaborate masquerades come from? Why do people dress up for Purim?
There are two main reasons – to celebrate the hidden miracle of the holiday, and to emulate the events in the story of Purim. Here’s what you need to know about dressing up as a part of Purim.
Purim is a hidden miracle
The miracle of the story of Purim is hidden in what look like a series of ordinary events. A cruel king has his first wife killed, and is advised to kill many, many more by his diabolical advisor. Who should he remarry but a member of the very community he seeks to destroy?
This in itself is a disguised miracle. It seems remarkable to many Jewish people that this coincidence should happen. Dressing up during the holiday of Purim honors the hidden nature of the story’s miracles.
Dressing up as emulation
The slightly more obvious reason for dressing up in costumes during the holiday is that it’s a way of emulating the “costumes” donned by some of those in the story of Purim.
There’s the obvious parallel of emulating Mordechai’s dressing in the king’s royal garments, which was his reward for protecting the king. Dressing up also emulates the way that Esther “dressed up” in her noble title to hide her Jewish origin until the moment was right to tell the king.
Dressing up in costumes emulates the main themes of the story of Purim, in that the miracles were brought by bringing genuine care to a cause without revealing that you were a part of the cause. It’s a way of celebrating not only the impressive hiding of identities, but the joy that came when they were revealed.
Conclusion
Looking to celebrate Purim, but not sure where to start? Kosherline has an amazing lineup of Purim gifts for you and your loved ones this holiday season. From curated kosher gift baskets to decadent boxed displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Grab a mask and a pastry, and enjoy Kosherline’s Purim gift baskets.
