Costumes

Even though I know that Halloween is right around the corner, and that parties are starting early, it still surprises me whenever people get on the subways with their creative makeup and costumes. Every year I ask myself what I like to be if I get invited to a party. The older I get, the less clear I am about what constitutes a great costume (for myself).

If I were asked the same question when I was three, I would definitely say: “a bride.” I loved the sparkling tiara, the lacy veils, the gowns with elegant train. One day, I played dress-up with a neighbor lady who was babysitting me. She took two white bath towels and made a bridal outfit for me: one for the headdress and the other one for the robe. There’s a photo of me standing at the edge of engawa, smiling at the camera just as a bride would.

For my dance performances, I got plenty opportunities to dress up in character. I wore embroidered traditional shirt and pants as a young mother bringing her baby back to grandma’s house; I dressed as a Bavarian shepherdess dancing to the theme song of The Sounds of Music; I had a Taiwanese indigenous outfit studded with beads and little jingles; . . .

When I was in fourth grade, my schedule got a little crowded with extracurricular activities. Mom somehow convinced me that, if I played the piano REALLY well, I would be able to wear anything beautiful dress that I dreamed of. Today, one section of my closet is designated for my concert black.

I watched many little girls growing out of their princess and fairy costumes. But, I am sure the fun memories of wearing beautiful dresses and living in the fantasy world for a day will never fade.