I have joined the Writer’s Group again this year. The first assignment: Write about a costume that you wore. I thought maybe you would enjoy reading it. Here it is…
A Simple Costume
I could hear the soft hum of the crowd’s whispering in the now dimmed gymnasium. Shadows moved behind the flowing crimson curtain that concealed the sprawling stage and the set, it held. I stood alone at the entrance to the newly built High School Gymnasium, built with pride for the school’s flourishing basketball teams. The floor, polished and gleaming, softly reflected the only light that came in from the lobby. My small shadow lay before me, eager to lead my march to the front of the auditorium.
A few weeks earlier, in Second Grade, I was chosen to be in the Christmas pageant. I was so excited and upon telling my mother, she immediately began planning my costume. She had recently purchased a beautiful white satin half slip. She retrieved it from her lingerie drawer and held it up for my approval. A wide trim of lace cascaded from the knee. When trying it on, the elastic waist band had to be pulled up to my chest; the lace at the hem just touched the floor. Perfect. Half of the costume was complete. Mama tucked her slip safely away.
We then planned a shopping trip to our nearest big city. Sears Roebuck would have what we needed. Although the weather threatened, we made the trip and found the perfect blouse. After studying several racks, we settled on a crisp white cotton blouse trimmed in lace. Lace bordered tiny pearl buttons that fell from collar to hem. The same delicate tatting peaked out from the hem of the collar, as well as the cuffs at the wrists. A tiny breast pocket, again trimmed in lace, was stitched onto the bodice. I was thrilled and loved my new blouse.
The costume was not complete. My hair would need to be styled just right. A pair of soft white gloves and white Patten leather shoes would accent the ensemble. Now for the remaining objects to illustrate who I was portraying: for this, we found some cardboard, an old white shear curtain, some wire, a long stick (Daddy whittled a twig into a manageable pole), string and tin foil.
Soon a perfect cardboard star covered in tin foil lay on the table. The twig pole was also covered in foil. Daddy figured out a way to attach the star to the end of the pole, then we commandeered him again into bending the wire into to two wing shapes. By bedtime, Mama and I had covered the wire wings with the material from the white shear curtains.
My costume was taking shape. By the evening of the Christmas pageant, I was ready. Mama had dressed me at home. The white blouse hung down to my waist covering the elastic band that circled my chest. I wore a tiny gold cross that I had been given as a thank you gift when I was a flower girl at my cousin June’s wedding. In the lobby of the auditorium, my wings were hung on my back with strings and an old cinch belt. My new white shoes peeked out from beneath the lace of my gown. My hair was drawn back and held in place by a rhinestone clasp. My bangs were freshly trimmed and Mama even let me wear a little pink lipstick.
There I stood waiting for my cue to begin my walk. I knew where my parents and my two brothers were sitting. I could not see them but they were there. As the curtain began to open, the lovely melody of “Silent Night” began. A choir on the stage was singing this most beloved Christmas Carol. My cue. I held high the cardboard star and proceeded. I proudly walked to the front and climbed the steps to the stage. Waiting for me were Joseph and Mary played by fellow classmates. Baby Jesus was played by a life size baby doll. As “Silent Night,” ended, I took my place behind the manger.
I have enjoyed dressing up for various roles throughout my life: fairies, witches and even Little Red Riding Hood on Halloween. My cousins Janice and Junie used to let me try on their prom dresses (the crinkly netting was so uncomfortable), but I felt beautiful in them. I was a flower girl, a bridesmaid, and a bride (My wedding dress was the most beautiful dress). But the first time I was ever dressed in costume was as the Angel, the Star of Bethlehem, who guided the shepherds to the Baby Jesus. A role I shall ne’re forget.
