If you’re looking for an original idea to spice up a party, why not buy some cheap masquerade masks and throw a timeless masquerade ball? The masquerade ball started in Venice in the 1500’s, but it is an event that can be as exciting and mysterious today as it was in the days of the royal Venetian courts.
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.
