Mask for carnival: history, interesting types

Behind masks, people hide not only faces, but secrets. Various mystical and mysterious associations are associated with them. Behind the mask can hide anything, anything ...

But more masks - this is a great accessory for carnival. It is in this role that they are most often found, excepting the ritual traditions of different tribes. A beautiful mask for carnival is a real work of art. In this article we'll talk about this accessory, remember its history and some varieties.

The beginning of history

Masks were originally part of the ritual attributes. Each mask had its own specific meaning and application. Today, many traditions are preserved, transformed into a modern style. Next, let's look at the history of the mask of the Venetian carnival.

So, in ancient times masks served as a way to hide their identity to those who had reprehensible intimate ties, participated in illegal actions. The first such accessories appeared in Venice several centuries ago.

The decoration of masks was given great importance. Luxury and beauty, which they shone, awe awed.

Fash was used for decoration, expensive fabrics, precious stones, bird feathers. The base was made of papier-mâché. Directly binding to the Venice carnival (Carneval) appeared a little later. As attributes of wealth and all sorts of self-glorification, the masks perfectly fit into these processions, shimmering with all shades of life's pleasures.

Carnival masks

If we discuss carnival masks, then it should be said that they appeared some time ago in Venice. Wearing these accessories began a long time ago, and there were many reasons for this.

Masks were worn and fun for the sake of, and to hide their face, committing a certain sin. It happened that the faces of some residents of Venice were hidden most of the year.

In the 18th century, fame for the Venetian carnivals spread throughout Europe. Anyone could take part in them, regardless of social status, origin. Masks for such a diverse assembly had some kind of smoothing function: hiding the personalities of their carriers, they allowed people to feel freer.

Various masks were made in special workshops. The decoration was given great importance: rich people could afford to order a unique accessory for the celebration. Masks for the carnival were made by their own hands, and from this their originality did not suffer at all.

Next, we will pay closer attention to individual types of masks, which have become very popular due to their bright symbolism.

Bauta - the most popular mask for carnival

This kind of mask met at the carnival in Venice most often, and eventually became more popular. Bauta served to ensure that the carrier did not advertise his social origin. They used a mask not only in carnival processions.

Bauta, above all, allowed her owner to freely feel herself in any environment. The impact of social norms was not so burdensome, and it was desirable for most of the population. The mask gave freedom in romantic adventures, and often criminal.

Bauta has an unusual shape, angular and rigid. Somewhat softens the impression of the decor, as well as the combination of a mask and a traditional triangular hat. It was in the ensemble with a hat, a raincoat, a large satin hood usually worn by Bautu in Venice. This type of mask is also called Casanova or Larva.

Cats in Venice and mask Gatto

The appearance of the Gatto mask was promoted by a colorful story. At that time in the city of lush carnivals it was extremely difficult to meet a cat. There was a legend about the old Chinese poor man who came to Venice. In addition to the same old cat, the man had nothing. But the animal managed to get rid of the mice of the Doge's Palace, for which the old man was generously rewarded.

The story was a continuation: upon returning home, the neighbor of the old Chinese set out to bail out for the luxurious Chinese silks in Venice much more than for some decrepit cat. And the Doge gladly agreed to exchange the most expensive in his palace for cloth. This value was the cat, who thus returned to his native country.

The cat's mask, Gatto, is sweet and mischievous. She was eagerly used at the carnival.

Jester and Joly

A well-known mask for carnival depicting a buffoon in a pointed cap is one of the most popular accessories. It can often be seen as a decorative element due to an unusual shape, and an adventurous image.

This mask for the carnival depicts the characteristic type of buffoons that existed in Europe during the Middle Ages. At first it was actively used in theaters of Spain, Germany, Holland, England and other countries. To the jesters were then treated in a special way: they were considered the owners of an unusual gift of childishness, carriers of a mixture of insanity and boldness. They willingly lodged money in exchange for their amusing antics.

Mask of the Shut is always executed in bright colors. At the ends of his cap usually attached small bells. Other names: Joker, Buffon. The female version of the mask was called Joly.

Sinister Dottore Peste

Perhaps, one of the darkest masks of the modern carnival. The history of its appearance is associated with the times when Europe suffered from an epidemic of plague. The Mask of the Doctor of the Plague has a large, bent down beak, similar to the one that was on the masks used by the doctors of the Middle Ages to protect against infection.

In general, Dr. Plague's outfit, along with Dottore Peste, is gloomy and ominous. Looking at this attribute, you can forget that the carnival are masks, smiles, fun, mischief.

Mask by own hands

On a modern holiday, a carnival mask is very appropriate . New Year carnivals are rapidly gaining popularity in the post-Soviet space. Children and adults willingly try on different masks: mysterious Amazons, desperate filibusters, tender fairies, cute little animals. Today they can not only be purchased, but also made independently using one of the many techniques.

So, the masks for the carnival with their own hands are made from traditional papier-mache, cast from a thin layer of gypsum. Methods with the use of liquid silicone are also of interest: a special mask on the paper blank shows the open contour of the mask, and then it is removed after drying.

Elegant masks are made from fabrics. Successfully combine felt, satin, lace, forming whimsical shapes, juggling with color.

Conclusion

That ended our historical digression during the creation of masks. We examined some variations of this festive attribute, and found out how many faces can be masks. For the New Year carnival, theme party, birthday and any other holiday, you can use these accessories to create the right mood.

We hope that the article was fascinating and useful.