Apparel worn for the aim of disguise or thematic illustration in the course of the Halloween season skilled a notable shift within the Sixties. These clothes and equipment, steadily selfmade or assembled from available supplies, mirrored the cultural developments and widespread media of the last decade. Examples embrace outfits impressed by tv exhibits like “Bewitched” or “The Addams Household,” or easy, generalized representations of witches, ghosts, and different conventional Halloween figures.
The importance of this era’s costumery lies in its demonstration of societal values, technological developments, and the rising affect of mass media on private expression. The simplicity and resourcefulness usually related to these ensembles additionally present perception into the financial circumstances and materials tradition of the time. Analyzing these outfits gives a beneficial lens by means of which to grasp the social and cultural panorama of mid-Twentieth century America.
The following article will delve into particular developments, influential figures, and the impression of the period’s technological developments on the creation and notion of Halloween attire. Additional dialogue will analyze the shift from selfmade creations to commercially produced choices and the lasting legacy of this transformative interval in Halloween traditions.
1. Selfmade creativity
The prevalence of selfmade creativity in the course of the Sixties considerably formed the panorama of Halloween apparel. Restricted entry to mass-produced, available costumes necessitated resourcefulness and ingenuity on the a part of people and households. This shortage fostered a tradition the place creating distinctive outfits from current supplies grew to become a central facet of the Halloween expertise. Examples embrace reworking bedsheets into ghostly figures or repurposing clothes gadgets to resemble witches or different conventional characters. The emphasis on selfmade ingenuity additionally supplied an outlet for self-expression and personalised interpretation of widespread figures.
The significance of selfmade creativity as a element of apparel throughout this period extends past mere practicality. It mirrored a broader cultural worth positioned on self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. The method of crafting a dressing up grew to become a household exercise, fostering bonding and shared experiences. Moreover, the restrictions inherent in selfmade creations usually resulted in designs that have been easier and extra evocative, counting on creativeness and suggestion fairly than elaborate element. This fostered a sure appeal and nostalgic enchantment that persists to today.
In conclusion, the connection between selfmade creativity and this eras apparel is profound. The necessity for imaginative options in costume creation influenced costume aesthetics, strengthened familial bonds, and preserved a spirit of resourceful ingenuity that considerably contributed to the enduring enchantment of this durations Halloween traditions. Whereas the supply of mass-produced choices has since altered the panorama, the legacy of selfmade creativity continues to tell up to date Halloween practices.
2. Popular culture affect
The impression of widespread tradition on Halloween apparel in the course of the Sixties was substantial, reflecting a rising pattern of incorporating media representations into vacation traditions. Tv, movie, and music grew to become dominant forces, shaping preferences and provoking costume decisions in unprecedented methods. This infusion of latest media into a historically folkloric vacation considerably altered the character and notion of Halloween celebrations.
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Tv Characters
Tv applications held appreciable sway over costume choice. Reveals like “The Addams Household” and “Bewitched” supplied readily recognizable characters whose visible identities have been simply replicable with easy clothes and make-up. Characters similar to Morticia Addams or Samantha Stephens grew to become widespread decisions, demonstrating the direct translation of tv developments into Halloween traditions. This underscored the medium’s capability to affect private expression and vacation celebrations.
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Movie Icons
Cinematic releases additionally contributed to costume developments. Whereas horror movies weren’t all the time straight emulated, iconic figures from journey and science fiction genres discovered their method into Halloween celebrations. Characters from spy movies or rising science fiction franchises influenced each youngsters’s and adults’ apparel, reflecting a rising fascination with espionage and technological development. These diversifications signified the permeation of cinematic narratives into the collective cultural consciousness.
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Musical Sensations
The rise of rock and roll and the burgeoning music scene additionally impacted costume decisions. Whereas direct mimicry of musical artists was much less widespread, the style developments related to widespread musicians, similar to The Beatles or numerous Motown teams, influenced the aesthetic sensibilities of Halloween apparel. Parts like hairstyles, clothes kinds, and equipment mirrored the broader cultural developments propagated by the music business, highlighting the interconnectedness of musical expression and private presentation.
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Political and Social Commentary
Although much less straight manifested in particular costumes, the underlying themes of social and political change current in widespread tradition of the Sixties subtly influenced the spirit of Halloween. The last decade’s rising deal with individuality and difficult conventional norms seemingly contributed to a better willingness to experiment with costume decisions and to deviate from established conventions. This represents a broader cultural shift in the direction of self-expression and a questioning of established societal norms that permeated even celebratory occasions like Halloween.
The convergence of tv, movie, and music throughout this era considerably formed the panorama of Halloween apparel. The adoption of characters and kinds from these media retailers demonstrated the rising affect of mass communication on private expression and the incorporation of latest developments into conventional vacation celebrations. The mixing of established folklore with rising media representations outlined the character of Halloween in the course of the Sixties, reflecting a interval of great cultural transformation.
3. Simplicity
The attribute of simplicity is a defining attribute of apparel worn throughout Halloween within the Sixties. Restricted entry to commercially produced, elaborate costumes necessitated a resourceful method to costume creation, emphasizing available supplies and simple designs. This fostered an aesthetic of understated magnificence and sensible performance that distinguishes it from extra elaborate up to date choices.
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Materials Constraints
The accessibility of particular supplies straight influenced design simplicity. Frequent home items similar to bedsheets, cardboard packing containers, and primary materials have been the first sources. This limitation precluded intricate detailing and complicated building, resulting in costumes that relied on simply manipulated shapes and recognizable silhouettes. As an illustration, a ghost costume usually consisted of a easy white sheet with eyeholes reduce out, demonstrating the direct correlation between materials availability and design complexity.
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Development Methods
The strategies utilized in costume building have been equally simple. Stitching expertise, whereas current in lots of households, weren’t all the time employed for elaborate designs. Costumes usually concerned rudimentary reducing, folding, and pinning strategies, prioritizing velocity and effectivity over refined craftsmanship. This emphasis on primary building strategies strengthened the general aesthetic of unpretentious performance.
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Iconographic Illustration
The illustration of iconic Halloween figures was additionally characterised by simplicity. Witches, ghosts, and vampires have been steadily depicted by means of generalized symbols and archetypal options fairly than exact replications. A witch’s costume, for instance, may include a black costume, a pointed hat, and minimal make-up, conveying the essence of the character with out elaborate detailing. This reliance on readily recognizable symbols allowed for efficient communication of the supposed determine with minimal effort.
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Financial Concerns
Financial components performed a major position in selling simplicity. Households usually operated underneath budgetary constraints that restricted their skill to buy costly, commercially manufactured costumes. Because of this, selfmade creations, using cheap or recycled supplies, grew to become the norm. This financial actuality straight formed the aesthetic of Halloween costumes in the course of the Sixties, fostering a tradition of resourcefulness and ingenuity.
These contributing components underscore the interconnectedness of fabric availability, building strategies, iconographic illustration, and financial issues in shaping the attribute simplicity. The necessity for practical, reasonably priced apparel resulted in designs that have been each aesthetically pleasing and reflective of the resourcefulness and cultural values of the period. This simplicity, born from necessity, contributes considerably to the nostalgic enchantment and distinctive character of Halloween celebrations of this decade.
4. Affordability
The attribute of affordability considerably formed the panorama of Halloween apparel within the Sixties. Financial constraints prevalent in lots of households straight influenced the supplies, building strategies, and general design of costumes throughout this era. Restricted disposable revenue necessitated resourcefulness and creativity, resulting in a reliance on selfmade creations that minimized bills.
The first impact of affordability on apparel was the widespread use of available, cheap supplies. Cloth remnants, repurposed clothes gadgets, and family items similar to bedsheets and cardboard have been widespread elements. Quite than buying new materials or specialised costume supplies, people and households utilized current sources, usually reworking strange objects into recognizable Halloween figures. For instance, a easy ghost costume may very well be normal from an outdated white sheet, whereas a witch’s outfit may include a darkish costume and a hat constructed from cardboard. These examples illustrate the direct impression of affordability on materials decisions and the ingenuity it fostered.
Moreover, affordability impacted the complexity and degree of element current in these outfits. Elaborate designs and complex gildings have been typically eschewed in favor of straightforward, simply replicated varieties. The emphasis was positioned on recognizable silhouettes and symbolic representations fairly than meticulous accuracy or elaborate ornamentation. This pragmatic method ensured that costumes may very well be created rapidly and effectively, whereas remaining throughout the monetary technique of the common family. The sensible significance of understanding this connection lies in appreciating how financial realities formed cultural expressions and traditions. Whereas commercially produced costumes have develop into extra prevalent in subsequent a long time, the legacy of reasonably priced, selfmade creations continues to affect up to date Halloween practices and values.
5. Conventional figures
The prevalence of conventional figures in Halloween apparel in the course of the Sixties represents a continuation of established cultural norms alongside rising influences. Regardless of the last decade’s social and technological developments, archetypal characters retained a outstanding position in costume choice, reflecting the enduring enchantment of folklore and established Halloween iconography.
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Witches
Witches, as a outstanding conventional determine, maintained vital reputation. Costume renditions usually comprised black attire, pointed hats, and sometimes, broom props. Whereas interpretations may differ intimately, the core elements remained constant, reflecting a collective understanding of the witch archetype rooted in centuries of folklore and widespread illustration. The enduring presence of witches demonstrates the endurance of established narratives inside evolving cultural contexts.
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Ghosts
Ghosts represented one other ubiquitous alternative, steadily manifested by means of easy and simply constructed costumes. Sometimes involving white sheets with rudimentary eyeholes, the ghost costume exemplified the resourcefulness and ease attribute of the period. This minimalist method, whereas missing in elaborate element, successfully conveyed the supposed determine and highlighted the enduring enchantment of the ghost archetype as a logo of the supernatural and the unknown.
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Vampires
Vampires, although maybe much less prevalent than witches and ghosts, nonetheless featured in Halloween celebrations. Costume renditions usually included darkish clothes, usually with capes, and rudimentary representations of fangs. The vampire determine, drawn from literary and cinematic sources, launched a barely extra refined component to the normal Halloween repertoire, reflecting the rising affect of media on costume decisions whereas sustaining a connection to established supernatural themes.
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Devils/Demons
Representations of devils and demons fashioned one other component throughout the conventional determine panorama. Costume designs steadily included crimson apparel, horns, and pitchfork props. These figures, rooted in non secular and mythological narratives, supplied an avenue for exploring themes of transgression and the darker facets of human nature throughout the context of Halloween celebrations. Their inclusion highlights the continued relevance of established perception methods and symbolic representations in shaping vacation traditions.
These conventional figures, whereas coexisting alongside rising popular culture influences, performed a major position in defining the character of Halloween apparel in the course of the Sixties. Their enduring presence demonstrates the enduring enchantment of established narratives and archetypes in shaping cultural traditions, even amidst durations of great social and technological change. The simplistic and recognizable nature of those figures additionally aligned with the affordability and resourcefulness that characterised the period’s method to costume creation.
6. Rising developments
The emergence of recent developments considerably impacted apparel in the course of the Halloween celebrations of the Sixties. This was characterised by a shift away from solely conventional figures towards incorporating components of latest tradition, reflecting the last decade’s broader societal transformations. These developments, pushed by developments in media and altering social values, expanded the vary of costume decisions and altered the vacation’s character.
One notable pattern concerned the adoption of characters from tv and movie. The rising reputation of exhibits like “The Addams Household” and “Bewitched” led to the replication of characters like Morticia Addams and Samantha Stephens. Equally, the burgeoning science fiction style influenced costume decisions, with space-themed outfits and futuristic designs gaining traction. This incorporation of media figures mirrored the rising affect of mass communication on private expression and the need to emulate widespread cultural icons. Furthermore, rising youth tradition developments such because the mod model and the affect of British rock bands, contributed to the adoption of recent aesthetics in Halloween costumes. The need to specific individuality and alignment with up to date trend was manifested by means of modifications of conventional costumes or the creation of outfits reflecting the kinds popularized by musical artists and youth actions. Understanding this pattern is important for recognizing the dynamic interaction between societal modifications and cultural traditions. It highlights how Halloween, regardless of its historic roots, adapts to replicate the prevailing values and influences of every period.
In abstract, rising developments constituted a transformative pressure in Halloween apparel in the course of the Sixties. The mixing of media characters, futuristic designs, and evolving social norms broadened the scope of costume potentialities and altered the vacation’s cultural significance. This shift underscores Halloween’s capability to adapt to up to date influences whereas sustaining its underlying spirit of celebration and self-expression. Recognizing this dynamic interplay between custom and innovation supplies beneficial perception into the evolution of cultural practices.
7. Mass media
The proliferation of mass media in the course of the Sixties exerted a substantial affect on quite a few sides of American tradition, together with the traditions and expressions surrounding Halloween. This era witnessed an unprecedented integration of tv, movie, and print media into each day life, leading to a direct impression on the varieties of costumes chosen and the themes embraced throughout Halloween celebrations.
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Tv Programming
Tv exhibits exerted a strong affect on costume choice. Applications that includes supernatural themes, similar to “The Addams Household” and “Bewitched,” supplied readily recognizable characters that have been simply emulated by means of easy costume designs. These exhibits provided available templates for Halloween apparel, straight linking media consumption to costume decisions.
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Movie Business Affect
The movie business additionally contributed considerably to shaping Halloween developments. Whereas horror movies weren’t all the time straight emulated on account of their usually graphic nature, iconic characters from science fiction and journey movies discovered their method into costume designs. This integration of cinematic components mirrored a rising fascination with these genres and the enlargement of Halloween past conventional folkloric themes.
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Promoting and Commercialization
The promoting business performed an important position in commercializing Halloween. Commercials selling costumes, equipment, and different Halloween-related merchandise grew to become more and more prevalent in print and on tv. This publicity fostered a consumer-driven method to Halloween, influencing each the varieties of costumes bought and the general notion of the vacation.
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Print Media and Comedian Books
Print media, together with magazines and comedian books, additional contributed to the dissemination of costume concepts and Halloween-related content material. Comedian books, particularly, launched youngsters to a variety of characters and visible kinds that influenced their costume decisions. The graphic nature of comedian e book illustrations provided a tangible reference level for replicating particular costume particulars.
In conclusion, mass media served as a major catalyst in shaping apparel throughout Halloween all through the Sixties. Tv, movie, promoting, and print media collectively influenced costume choice, commercialization, and the general enlargement of Halloween themes past conventional folklore. The pervasive presence of mass media throughout this era fostered a extra numerous and media-driven method to celebrating the vacation.
8. Gender roles
Apparel worn throughout Halloween celebrations within the Sixties usually mirrored prevailing gender roles inside American society. Costume decisions steadily strengthened established societal expectations concerning acceptable apparel and conduct for women and men, offering perception into the cultural norms of the interval.
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Conventional Feminine Archetypes
Feminine costumes steadily centered on archetypal figures similar to witches, princesses, or home characters. These decisions usually strengthened the affiliation of ladies with the supernatural, domesticity, or idealized femininity. Examples embrace variations on the “good witch” or princess costumes, portraying ladies in passive or benevolent roles. This perpetuation of conventional archetypes by means of apparel displays the restricted vary of acceptable identities for ladies throughout this period.
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Conventional Male Archetypes
Male costumes, conversely, usually emphasised roles of energy, authority, or journey. Examples embrace cowboys, troopers, or superheroes, which strengthened the affiliation of males with motion, management, and bodily prowess. These decisions mirrored societal expectations for males to embody energy and dominance. The constant portrayal of males in lively, authoritative roles underscores the prevailing gender dynamics of the time.
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Reinforcement By means of Media
Media representations additional solidified these gendered expectations. Tv applications and movies steadily portrayed women and men in stereotypical roles, influencing costume decisions and reinforcing societal norms. For instance, the recognition of tv exhibits that includes robust male characters and nurturing feminine characters contributed to the prevalence of comparable archetypes in Halloween apparel. This interaction between media illustration and costume choice illustrates the pervasive affect of gender stereotypes on cultural expressions.
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Restricted Deviation from Norms
Whereas exceptions existed, vital deviation from established gender roles in apparel was comparatively unusual. Boys dressing as feminine characters or women adopting overtly masculine personas have been much less steadily noticed, reflecting the societal strain to adapt to established gender norms. This restricted deviation underscores the energy of those societal expectations and the potential social penalties of difficult them.
The gendered nature of apparel throughout Halloween celebrations supplies a beneficial lens by means of which to look at the societal norms and expectations of the Sixties. These costume decisions, whereas seemingly innocuous, replicate the underlying energy dynamics and cultural values that formed the experiences of women and men throughout this era. Whereas up to date Halloween celebrations have witnessed a better diploma of gender fluidity and experimentation, understanding the historic context of apparel helps to light up the evolution of gender roles and their impression on cultural expression.
9. Commercialization
The rise of commercialization considerably altered the panorama of Halloween apparel in the course of the Sixties. Previous to this era, selfmade costumes predominated, reflecting resourcefulness and familial collaboration. Nonetheless, the rising availability of commercially produced costumes, pushed by burgeoning consumerism and developments in manufacturing, started to shift the emphasis from handcrafted creations to available, mass-produced choices. This transition mirrored a broader societal pattern towards elevated consumption and the commodification of beforehand non-commercial traditions. The introduction of packaged costumes, usually that includes widespread characters from tv and movie, provided comfort and accessibility, interesting to households with restricted time or sources. The affect of promoting additional propelled this pattern, showcasing the newest commercially obtainable choices and shaping shopper preferences. The rising prominence of business entities within the Halloween market demonstrates a vital turning level within the evolution of vacation traditions, highlighting the rising impression of financial forces on cultural practices.
The consequences of commercialization prolonged past mere product availability. It additionally influenced the aesthetic and thematic content material of apparel. Whereas selfmade costumes usually prioritized simplicity and symbolic illustration, commercially produced choices allowed for better element, accuracy, and adherence to media portrayals. Licensed character costumes grew to become more and more widespread, pushed by the need to emulate particular figures from movie, tv, and comedian books. This shift marked a transfer away from individualized creativity towards conformity with established media narratives. Moreover, the deal with licensed properties fostered a better emphasis on model recognition and shopper spending, influencing the general business ecosystem surrounding Halloween. This integration of company branding into vacation traditions is a key attribute of the interval, underscoring the pervasive affect of business pursuits on cultural expressions.
In abstract, the connection between commercialization and apparel is characterised by a transition from selfmade ingenuity to mass-produced consumerism. The rising availability, accessibility, and promotion of commercially produced choices altered each the aesthetic and thematic content material of apparel. This shift displays a broader societal pattern towards elevated shopper spending and the commodification of cultural traditions, demonstrating the numerous impression of financial forces on the evolution of Halloween celebrations and highlighting the sensible significance of understanding the interaction between commerce and tradition.
Regularly Requested Questions
The next part addresses widespread inquiries concerning apparel worn for Halloween in the course of the Sixties. These questions purpose to make clear prevailing developments, influences, and traits of this period’s costumery.
Query 1: What have been the first influences on Halloween apparel throughout this era?
Dominant influences included tv programming, widespread movies, and rising developments in music and trend. Tv exhibits like “The Addams Household” and “Bewitched” impressed character-based costumes, whereas science fiction movies contributed to futuristic or space-themed designs.
Query 2: How prevalent was selfmade versus commercially produced apparel?
Selfmade costumes predominated for a lot of the last decade, reflecting resourcefulness and affordability. Nonetheless, the business availability of packaged costumes elevated all through the Sixties, progressively shifting the stability towards mass-produced choices.
Query 3: Which conventional Halloween figures remained widespread?
Witches, ghosts, vampires, and devils continued to be widespread decisions. These figures, rooted in folklore and widespread creativeness, represented enduring archetypes inside Halloween traditions.
Query 4: How did prevailing gender roles impression costume choice?
Costume decisions usually mirrored societal expectations for women and men. Males steadily dressed as figures of authority or energy, whereas feminine costumes usually embodied domesticity or idealized femininity.
Query 5: What supplies have been generally used for selfmade apparel?
Available and cheap supplies similar to bedsheets, cardboard, cloth remnants, and repurposed clothes gadgets have been steadily used to create costumes.
Query 6: Did social or political occasions affect costume themes?
Whereas much less direct than media influences, the last decade’s social and political upheaval subtly impacted costume decisions. A rising emphasis on individuality and difficult norms could have contributed to better experimentation and a willingness to deviate from established conventions.
Key takeaways spotlight the interaction between conventional folklore, rising media influences, and societal norms in shaping apparel throughout this era. The stability between selfmade resourcefulness and rising commercialization outlined the character of Halloween celebrations.
The next article part will look at the lasting legacy and cultural significance of apparel worn in the course of the Sixties.
Ideas
Concerns for authentically recreating ensembles that seize the essence of Halloween in the course of the nineteen sixties.
Tip 1: Prioritize Simplicity. Authenticity hinges on recreating primary silhouettes and utilizing available supplies widespread in the course of the period. Keep away from overly elaborate designs or gildings inconsistent with selfmade aesthetics.
Tip 2: Analysis Main Supply Materials. Look at pictures and movies from the interval to grasp precisely prevailing kinds and costume decisions. This analysis helps keep away from anachronisms.
Tip 3: Incorporate Iconic Tv Characters. Draw inspiration from widespread applications similar to “The Addams Household” or “Bewitched” to emulate acknowledged personalities successfully.
Tip 4: Deal with Archetypal Figures. If not sure, revert to timeless archetypes, like witches, ghosts or vampires, after which emphasize easy designs.
Tip 5: Contemplate Interval-Applicable Equipment. Accessorizing with classic or vintage-inspired gadgets, similar to cat-eye glasses or easy jewellery, enhances general authenticity.
Tip 6: Be Conscious of Gender Roles. Though up to date interpretations could differ, a traditionally correct depiction entails understanding prevailing gender norms of the Sixties.
Tip 7: Undertake a “DIY” Mindset. Emphasize resourcefulness and creativity. Intention to repurpose current gadgets fairly than buying new, elaborate elements. This method displays the ingenuity required by these creating apparel in the course of the period.
Following the following tips will improve the accuracy and authenticity of apparel, successfully capturing the spirit of Halloween because it was celebrated throughout this decade.
The following part summarizes the important thing findings and insights explored all through this evaluation of apparel worn throughout Halloween within the Sixties.
Halloween Costumes from the 60’s
This text has explored the multifaceted traits of halloween costumes from the 60’s, analyzing influences starting from mass media and evolving social norms to affordability and the persistence of conventional figures. The evaluation revealed a dynamic interaction between selfmade creativity and burgeoning commercialization, highlighting a transitional interval within the evolution of Halloween traditions. Costume decisions mirrored the pervasive affect of tv, movie, and widespread tradition, whereas concurrently mirroring prevailing societal values and gender roles.
The insights gained supply a beneficial perspective on the cultural panorama of mid-Twentieth century America. By understanding the importance embedded inside these Halloween traditions, a deeper appreciation for the enduring energy of cultural expression and the fixed evolution of vacation celebrations could be cultivated. Additional analysis into associated cultural phenomena is inspired to broaden comprehension of this complicated period.
