Posts Tagged: masquerade masks

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23
Jul 10

Deciding on the Best Masquerade Ball Masks

When going to a masquerade ball it really is important to find a mask that’s right for you. This form of disguise was originally created to represent a type of feeling or character that a person wants to convey while wearing it.

White masks has been the safe choice of both women and men, although a darker colored Venetian mask is also favored by the men. Many women prefer their mask on a stick, while the men like a full face mask. Another important aspect when choosing a mask is to keep in mind the disguise is to make sure you are noticed while at the ball.

It should be a mask that fits your face so it isn’t uncomfortable during the event. The mask can be made of leather, plastic, or cloth. Leather can be very hot to wear, and plastic can be very uncomfortable as well. Cloth has been the material of choice because it is light and can be easily fit to the form of the face, allowing a more comfortable look. It also will give a more elegant and specific design to any costume.

If possible look for a handmade mask from either America or Italy and not one of the many mass produced equivalents. The handmade masks are designed for comfort and have a more durable quality to them. With the handmade mask you can easily add real feathers that will definately give notice to the effect that’s wanted.

This type of mask can be worn with whatever design of costume or clothes you’ve chosen. It’s important that whatever mask that’s choosen should be coordinated with what you have planned to wear. No matter the style it should always complement your outfit while making a statement.

Finding the best masquerade ball mask is a decision that takes time and thought to make the right impression.

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6
Mar 10

History of Masquerade Balls

To find the history of masquerade balls, we need to look to 16th century Italy.  During this Renaissance period, balls attended with masquerade masks soon influenced the public festivities of Carnival.  Masquerade balls, once events reserved for the upper classes, were now a trend spreading across the land, especially in Venice.

As the popularity of these events grew, the tradition spread to much of the rest of Europe as well.  During the 17th and 18th century European masquerade balls became famous for events like the assassination of King Gustav III, a Swedish king who championed parliamentary reform.  His detractors, a group of noblemen, claimed to have killed him as an act of tyrannicide.

A count by the name of John James Heidegger has often been given credit for the introduction of the Venetian masquerade ball to eighteenth century London.  The unique dances also made their way to the ballroom of Colonial America.

The mysterious allure of Masquerade balls keeps the night exciting, as guests play at guessing the identities of other masked ball-goers.  The partial disguises encouraged guests to step outside of their usual behaviors, adding an element of daring to the events. During a time when balls were formal affairs, the Italian tradition was a welcome twist to the party, but all did not welcome it.

An anti-masquerade movement cautioned against these events, which by their nature cut through class lines, social boundaries, and racial or ethnic stereotyping.  The masquerade ball was vilified as a foreign plague that had invaded England, and provoked and encouraged immoral behavior.  The movement was led by the church, which went so far as to accuse the masquerade of being a plot to corrupt the morals of Englishmen by the French.

Even today, handmade masquerade masks can still be purchased from shops in Venice.

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17
Jan 10

The Masquerade Ball Mask

The wearing of the Masquerade Mask originated in the 11th century. It began in Italy, and was used at public gatherings of different types of festivities including weddings. In fact the Mardi Gras that we now celebrate, came from the Venetian Carnival. They were also worn at court by the royals during balls.

During the 17th and 18th century, the royals of Europe regularly held Masquerade Balls. It was customary for everyone in attendance to wear a masquerade ball mask. It was highly popular, and it gave the commoner a chance to mingle with the higher classes, and recognition was highly unlikely at these events.

The first public masquerade mask shop was opened in 1976. It gave people the opportunity to be able to purchase a cheap masquerade mask. Its hard to believe that, it took from the 11th century until 1976 for someone to think of opening a shop.

There are many different types of masquerade ball masks to choose from today. A wide variety is offered, and can be well suited to your personal character. If you would rather follow tradition, you can always wear a Venetian Mask. Originally it was a white masquerade mask with a phallic beak, the beak served the purpose of protecting the wearer from the plague. A modern Venetian masquerade mask plays two roles. One is to flatter the wearer, and the other is to disguise. If you choose to wear a more modern mask, you will have a wide selection to choose from. Whether it be a white masquerade mask, a black masquerade mask, a black and white masquerade mask, or so on. Also, there are lots of colors and styles available for you.

To experience an authentic masquerade ball is an intoxicating splendour. It is a reality that flirts with the edge of fantasy. If you choose to join in the vast festivities included in one of these balls, it promises to be a night of pleasure filled with mystery and intrigue.

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13
Jan 10

The Attraction of Venetian Masquerade Masks

Typically for weddings, balls, and festivals, Venetian masquerade masks are centuries-old. These ornate masks hid the wearer’s identity and social status, allowing anyone to attend events and move freely around Venetian society. It concealed the debauchery of the time, where men and women engaged in all sorts of promiscuous behaviors. Today, Venetian masks are worn for fun at masquerades, Mardi Gras, and Carnevale, and are used as art displays.

Venetian masquerade ball masks are decorative, bright, and feature exquisite baroque designs. Full-face or simple eye masks, gold or silver, comical or elegant, these come in many styles. Some of these masquerade party masks are reproduced and sold today in Venice. After a long absence from the Venice streets, traditional Venetian mask-making saw a renaissance in 1979 as mascareri made and sold fine handmade papier-mâché creations. Shops line the streets with affordable masks. If you can’t get to Venice, there are many cheap masquerade masks available from artisans online. Luxury masks like baroque batons or wedding masks garner a hefty price because they are detailed, ornate, and use crystals, beads, gems, or gold/silver leaf finishes.

The Bauta masquerade mask covers the whole face and features a tilted jawline allowing you to eat, drink or talk without revealing your identity. Worn by both men and women, they were often solid white with gold, silver, or jewel encrusted decorations.

The Volto is a full face mask of wax cloth, is white and worn with a three-cornered hat (tricorn) and cloak. This gave the illusion of a ghost-like figure in the moonlight. These can be found today with colorful designs and styles. The joker has points and jingles. Some have feathers. Lions, dogs, or cats and crowns are favorites.

The Colombina is a half eye mask with gold, silver, crystals, feathers. Like modern versions, it tied with a ribbon. These feminine masks were designed and named for Columbina of the Commedia dell’arte. Harlequin, Romeo, and Farfalla, are just three Colombinas found today. The Gatto is a half-mask cat face with iintricate jewels, gems, or pearls.

Il Medico Della Peste – the nose masquerade mask Scaramouche has a long hollow beak and clear glass disks for eyes. It originated in 16th century France during the plague. Worn tucked into a cloak and hat and aromatic herbs were placed in the long beak to allow the doctor to breath but prevent getting the fatal disease.