Purim costumes are worn on purim at masquerades, parties, festivals, parades, and family gatherings to commemorate the deliverance of the Jews of Persia. Queen Esther was beautiful, respected, and courageous for she was resolute in her determination to save the Jewish people from the decree set forth by King Ahasueros to have the Jews killed. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin persuaded her to appeal to the king and advise him of the evil Haman’s plot to massacre the Jews. Haman was a minister to King Ahasueros and he hated the Jews. He told the king that the Jewish people were disloyal to the throne. King Ahasueros left the fate of the Jewish people in the hands of Haman. Haman decided that on Adar 13 he would annihilate the Jews. Esther bravely approached the king and advised him of Hamans evil plot. The king heeded Esther’s advice and rescinded his order to have the Jews killed. Queen Esther is a heroine for her bravery, and Mordecai is a hero for his help in saving the Jewish people. The evil Haman was hung in the gallows .
Purim costumes are worn on Purim for it is a joyous holiday. Purim costumes like the queen, the king, Mordecai, and Queen Esther, are a tradition that is celebrated all around the world. The crowns, sceptors, tri-cornered hat, and beards are Purim accessories that reflect upon the story of Purim. The tri-cornered hat is symbolic of Hamans pockets ( his evil ways of taking bribes ). A queen costume could also be used to characterize Queen Vashti, who was exiled, before Queen Esther by the king because she would not dance for him.
Masks are also worn on Purim. Purim masks are worn to symbolize that things are never as they seem. Purim is the holiday of hidden miracles.
Purim costumes are just one way of celebrating the meaning of Purim. To gain a true understanding, one must look beyond the outside appearance.