Biblical Costumes

From LoveToKnow Costumes

Biblical costumes are a must for holiday plays, church services and nativity scenes. Often they are some of the easiest costumes to make yourself, but you can also buy them from shops all over the web.

What Costumes Do You Need?

If you're only outfitting one little angel for the Christmas play, you don't have to give your needs much thought. If, on the other hand, you're the one staging the production, think about what and how many Biblical costumes you need before you go shopping (for costume or fabric).

Usually to put on a Christmas play or host a nativity, you will need at least the following costumes:

  • Joseph
  • Mary
  • Shepherds
  • Angels, especially the Angel of the Lord
  • Three Wise Men
  • Animals, if you have [www.http://www.kids.lovetoknow.com kids] who are going to play the animals

You might also have an innkeeper, but he could be dressed in the same manner as the shepherds.

Biblical Costume Basics

The great thing about Biblical costumes is that they all look pretty much the same. Whether you're playing an angel or a Wise Man, you'll probably be wearing some kind of robe or costume that's shaped like a large, long shirt. The variation is usually one of color and accessories.

Angels, or course, wear white and have wings and halos, which can be purchased or made of wire and gold tinsel. Shepherds usually wear brown, black or grey, and Joseph will be dressed in a similar way. Shepherds usually carry staffs, while Joseph doesn't really have any accessories.

The Wise Men are usually dressed in brighter colors and have their gifts to carry. They may wear the same basic outfit as the shepherds, but have a sash of brightly colored fabric to distinguish them. Mary is traditionally dressed in blue or white. Jesus can be played by a real baby or a doll, but he should be "swaddled" in white.

Buying Biblical Costumes

There are many sources for Biblical costumes for your holiday event. (Remember, Bible-inspired costumes would also be great for a group at Halloween.) Here are just a few:

These shops usually have costumes for both adults and children, and the children's costumes tend to be more affordable than the adult ones, which is not to say that they are inexpensive. Even if you are planning to make your own costumes, take a look at some of the costumes that are being sold. They will give you inspiration on how to make your own costumes.

Make Your Own

If you decide to make your own religious costumes, take an inventory of the kids, their sizes and the number of each kind of costume you will need. These costumes are not really fitted, but if some kids are on the small side or the large side you want to make sure you have a costume that will fit them.

Denver Fabrics has a great collection of religious costume patterns if you would like to buy a pattern. You should also check at your local fabric store. Because all of the costumes are basically the same, you can buy a pattern just for a shepherd and still use it to make most of your costumes. Add a head scarf here and a sash there, give the shepherds their staffs and you'll be ready to go.

Money-Saving Tip

To save on fabric, try using bed sheets. You could even make your costumes toga-like and you wouldn't have to know how to sew to outfit your crew. Again, use white sheets for the angels, a blue sheet for Mary (or a white sheet and a blue head scarf) and brown or gray for the boys. You might even find people willing to donate old sheets to your production, so it will get a lot less expensive!


 


Comment on Biblical Costumes



(Displayed with your comment)                        (Will not be displayed)
Verification Code:   
    

Costumes Categories
LoveToKnow Tools
More Articles