Interesting Several Types For Masquerade Masks

People know that masquerade is used to define someone who is trying to hide their identity or be secretive. The masquerade masks date back to the twelfth century. It was used in the Venetian carnival to hide a persons identity. Much of the time wealthy socials would have had consequences for socializing with commoners but while wearing this mask they had much more freedom.

The Venetian masked balls were luxurious, highly elaborate, high society gatherings. By the seventh century these masks had been introduced to Europe, England and America. As the Venetian Republic fell so did the wealthy societies activities thus the mask stopped being used.

The police did not like this and many of the wealthy people were against wearing these because they did not like the fact that different social classes were mingling together. Also, people wearing the masks could have affairs or make many financial transactions because no one would know or suspect what was happening and whom it was between.

The main types of these masks include the stick mask, the head, the full face and the half face. Men and women alike wore these designs and also made the theme of what they wanted to resemble or to turn into. There were so many designs to choose from and as the masks got popular so did the quality of the art work put into them.

The four types are full face, head, half face and the stick design. The full face design covered the entire face and was very hard for the operator to function. There were two holes cut out for the eyes but only some had a mouth hole. The ones that did not have a mouth hole would leave the person behind the masks voice muffled, and the user could not eat or drink without removing the entire mask.

The full face design covered the entire face. It has two holes cut out for the eyes and sometimes a hole was cut out for the mouth. Identity of the person was a complete mystery with this type. The ones without the mouth hole were not practical, the persons voice was muffled and they could not eat or drink without removing the entire mask.

The stick style was informal and not used for occasions when identity is needing to be hidden. The downfall of this design is that it takes a hand to hold the mask on a stick up to your face. The perks were it could be removed quickly and easily. Also, eating and drinking was made easier because the mask could be removed so easily.

The Half face was designed to only cover the upper half of the persons face. Some only covered the temples and eyes. Identity was not always able to be hidden with these because it only covered so little of the face. This design was the most practical though, the person wearing it could have a conversation and also were able to drink and eat easily.

Masquerade means to disguise yourself or to look as a another person, creature or thing. It also stands for mystery and intrigue. Today, these masks have become popular again. Some retailers sell the old style of the mask but the more popular type is the modern day inexpensive ones. The biggest places these can be found today are at Mardi Gras, which is a celebration in New Orleans. They can be purchased at retail stores or by online sites and professional costume shops. If wanting to enjoy a great piece of history buying one of these masquerade masks will take you back to these times of celebration.