About Fairy Wings

Fairy wings have a long and vast history. From Australia and Africa to Ireland and North America, fairies have been the topic of many legends and myths. Today, fairy wings are not only for Halloween anymore. Fairy wings are showing up in portraits, wedding parties and even on dogs. You can join the fairy wing frenzy by buying inexpensive or custom-made fairy wings, or you can make fairy wings on your own, personalizing them to your heart's content.

History

Today, fairy wings seem to be a topic discussed only by little girls. But during the Victorian Age, fairies were the subject of art, music and theater for cultured adults. The Victorian Age was a time of great change--coming on the heels of the Industrial Revolution--and therefore, it should not seem strange that adults pined nostalgically for simpler, more childlike times. Serious artists painted nudes with wings, and these paintings were hung alongside serious paintings in museums. The wings in these works of art vary from tiny, bee-like wings to large and colorful butterfly wings.

Geography

Stories of fairies with wings come from all over the world. In North America, the Cherokee Indians have a mythology about fairies. They call them the Little People. The Cherokee Little People have wings and long black hair. They sing and dance, and are considered protectors of Mother Earth. Most European countries have stories about fairies in their mythologies. Irish fairies are called Sidhe, and they are said to have built amazing palaces and composed music that is much more beautiful than humans could ever write. Australian fairies are said to live in forests, and the bushmen of Namibia in Africa claim that fairies are responsible for the mysterious "fairy circles" that pockmark the deserts in their region.

Legends

One legend claims that if you whisper your wish to a garden fairy, your wish will be granted. In response to this legend, some people build "fairy houses" to attract fairies to their gardens. The fairy houses resemble ornate birdhouses. These make a great project for little girls at a birthday party.

Costumes

Fairy Halloween costumes are a common sight. You can buy a pair of fairy wings at a costume or party shop, and the prices range is vast. You can also make your own pair of fairy wings by shaping thick wire (like a coat hanger) into the desired shape and then stretching nylons across the wing shape. You can then use glitter glue to draw designs on the wings.

Considerations

Fairy wings as accessories have gone beyond Halloween and are showing up in portraits, even weddings. Some portrait studios keep fairy wings on hand for portraits, and babies as well as adults are wearing them. Fantasy-themed weddings are another place where you may see fairy wings as accessories.