The Best Masquerade Masks

Our Top Decorative Masquerade Mask

Created in Italy, Masquerade masks were created as a diversion for townspeople during festival season. It was soon apparent to noblemen and women that they could mingle with the commoners during festival season. In old Italy, the law stated that the two classes could not mingle and doing so would be punishable by law.

Festivals were held frequently throughout the year, and when festival time came, both commoners and noble people would create their own costumes and masks each reflecting the personality of its creator. Masquerade masks allowed noblemen and even clergymen to interact with commoners and many took advantage of common women and get political information out of common men. This gave the nobles a great advantage. Less scrupulous clergymen would also take advantage of common women and they would never know the difference.

Noble men and women found that they could walk among common people without fear of recognition or reprisal. They looked forward to gathering information that could be used against their political rivals.

A masquerade mask could be as plain or elaborate as the person designing it wanted, and was usually made of whatever materials were available at the time. Beads, ribbons, and feathers were usually plentiful and vibrant colorful masks could always be expected. Although created in Italy, the idea of masquerade mask quickly spread throughout the world. They became the icon of many different festivals in hundreds of countries. The masks were always creative and worn proudly.

There have been many festivals throughout history that depicted these masks, however the most well known has become Mardis Gras. The elaborate masks are still worn today, and in the tradition of old Italy, even the most recognizable stars and even royalty mingle on the streets of New Orleans without being recognized.

Halloween is a holiday that has a very long history. It original started out as a festival that was held once a year. Although it is now a holiday for children, it’s original state was far different then today; the festival was strictly for adults only.

Masks were hand created out of ceramic, wood and even bone. The colors often brilliant and vibrant. The masks of today generation are mass-produced and generic. They are usually based on very recognizable characters that entertain children all over the world.

Festivals and masks have always gone hand in hand. They are a way of expressing each individual personality. There are some people who still create their own masks, letting their imaginations run wild.