Did you ever hear the term, ‘we all wear masks’? Being social creatures we were brought up to follow certain conventions and rules because they were universally considered good manners or at the very least, the least offensive way to behave. When we think about it, being socially accepted and popular among the other members of our species takes quite a great deal of work and brain power. What is worse is that these rules often change year to year or even day to day depending on exactly what socio-economic category we are taking on. They can even be totally different as our location varies. You are a completely different person at home than what you are at work and if any idiot tells you that he or she knows you in a sarcastic way, ask them how that is possible since they don’t even know themselves most of the time. That is the truth; we have totally lost our true selves in the haze of society that we have created to make sure the wheels of said society run smooth and with the least difficulty.

That is the great irony of the human social phenomenon called the masquerade ball. The fact that we have decreed that it is ‘normal and proper’ to wear a mask at this time has perhaps become a time for us to express what we have inside ourselves. It lets us be ourselves by allowing ourselves to cover our faces and avoid ridicule or whatever other consequences stop us from freeing our true selves. We certainly are not perfect but with no self knowledge, there cannot be a self improvement and perhaps no chance for the eventual perfection of our species. Thus, a simple social gathering such as a masquerade ball or party suddenly becomes a lot more than it seems. It allows us to explore the true part of ourselves, the more creative part, the part that, if there were a spirit world at all, would be most in touch with it.

There are plenty of characteristics in many masks for the masquerade ball as well as costumes to assume that they have a very spiritual dimension. The costume of the court jester for example, seems to have many demonic connotations. Loki, the Norse god of mischief, with whom our very own Devil shares many of his traits looked very much like a jester. So masquerade parties seem to satisfy a deep need for us to express some sort of spiritual part of ourselves that is often throttled in everyday life. This of course is a very healthy thing and woes betide any man or woman who denies his or her deeper, spiritual self. So party on and express yourself in some breathtaking ensemble that tells the world, look at me, this is who I am and I matter.

The tradition of the masquerade probably began as early as the 1100’s when the donning of masks and elaborate costumes took place during the famous parties of Carnevale in Venice, Italy. The immense popularity of the masquerade began with the upper classes, but soon spread to the rest of Venetian society as well. The demand for masquerade masks inspired a new generation of craftsmen, who turned mask-making into an art. The Mascereri had soon earned their place alongside other artists and craftsmen of the day, and a mask-making guild was established in the early 1400’s.

The elaborate and often decadent festivals of Carnevale took hold throughout Europe and especially England during the 17th and 18th century. As with Venice, the masquerade ball was at first an event only held by the rich and upper echelons of English society. With cheap masquerade masks now available to the masses, the rest of society embraced the masquerade as well.

The masquerade ball was publicly criticized by the church as a sinful excursion to be found at. The anti-masquerade movement protested that the theme encouraged immoral carnal behavior, especially in women. At one time it was even held that the masquerade was a French conspiracy to corrupt English society. Perhaps the most famous story of a masquerade ball happened when several noblemen used their disguises to murder their king, in what they called an act of tyrannicide.

Revelers of all social classes and ethnic backgrounds favored disguising themselves in masquerade masks to keep their identity secret. Safely disguised, party goers felt free to express themselves in any way they chose, regardless of their status in society.

Today, masquerade balls have made a comeback as a favorite party theme. Even though social behavioral norms are no longer as strict as old Venice or England, people still enjoy donning cheap masquerade masks and becoming a different person for a night. Fine masquerade masks are still made by craftsmen and women in Venice, but there’s no need to go to Europe to buy one. Cheap masquerade masks are available at any costume store or online costume retailer. Search the web for a masquerade specialty store and you may even be able to find the traditional black hood and Tricorn hat to go with it. Don’t forget to finish the outfit with a long black cape to hide yourself completely.

Cheap masquerade masks range from the traditional “Bauta” style masks, which fully hid the wearer’s mouth and nose, to the full-faced “Jolly,” complete with jester-like extensions from the top of the mask. Although you may only wear the mask for the night, choose wisely. Examine the edges and make sure the paper is not peeling up. Find a well-made cheap masquerade mask and you will want to keep it as a work of art.