Guiser

A 'guiser' is a person who performs in a disguise, often involving a costume and sometimes a mask, typically as part of a traditional custom or festive celebration. The practice often involves performing songs, reciting poems, or acting out skits in exchange for gifts or treats. Guisers are commonly associated with seasonal events like Halloween, Christmas, and New Year's, traversing neighborhoods and entertaining households. The act of guising reinforces community bonds and preserves cultural heritage, representing a blend of performance, masquerade, and communal exchange.

Guiser meaning with examples

• During the village's annual Christmas Eve celebrations, children would dress up as guisers, knocking on doors and performing carols for the residents. Their cheerful singing and festive costumes brought warmth to the cold winter night, a cherished tradition passed down through generations. Each child aimed for a good treat as the adults would welcome the young guisers.
• Local folklore tells of a mysterious figure, a solitary guiser, who appeared every Samhain, adorned in a dark cloak and elaborate mask. He would dance in the town square. Though the identity of the masked performer was never revealed, his appearances were eagerly anticipated as a reminder of the thinning veil between worlds and the mystery of the season. Many believed the guiser had magic.
• The neighborhood watched with glee as the guisers, composed of several families, created an elaborate tableau of folk tales. They'd move from house to house on New Year's Eve. Their performance, full of wit and drama, was a highlight of the holiday season, with the families generously rewarding the young guisers for their efforts with sweets and small monetary gifts. The guisers always appreciated the gestures of the people.
• Despite the modernization of other traditions, the local primary school made an effort to preserve the practice of guising. Every year, students were encouraged to dress up and perform, helping to perpetuate the custom for future generations. The school organized a 'Guising Day' to teach the students. The children's energetic performances and the joy in their eyes served to illustrate the importance of cultural continuity, as the young guisers were ready.