Thursday, August 12, 2010

The Truth Behind Costume Masks

Costume Masks have progressed far beyond simple Comedy & Tragedy masks they are now part of popular culture.

Whether it be Halloween, Mardi Gras, or a masquerade Ball if you don't have your mask on your not completely dressed.

They are anything but a recent invention, Ancient theater was greatly dependent on them. The now famous image of two masks, one joyful and the other sorrowful, is linked with the classical Greek theater, back in the times of playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides.

In those times, masks were used to differentiate the good from the evil, the hero from the villain. However, as time progressed, masks became decreasingly popular on stage. Later, playwrights such as Brecht and Cocteau did their bit to re-introduce them. Yet, masks had by now moved away from the world of performances and had begun its journey into popular culture.

Today they are taking on an entirely different characters other than "Phantom of the Opera Masks" they are used almost entirely for entertainment. Mask wearing previously confined to Halloween, Mardi Gras & masquerade is now common at any large gathering. Satirical masks are by far the most common, poking fun at politicians & the famous alike.

Halloween masks have become very sophisticated, molded with liquid latex the styles are so numerous you can find masks ranging from your favorite film to your favorite animal.

Masquerade Ball Masks by contrast add elegance to the wearer the Venetian designs can vary drastically from a simple masks on sticks to highly elaborate masks incorporating Gold, Silver & Feathers.




Costume Mask.org Features a selection of both Halloween, & Masquerade Ball Masks.

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