Masks for New Year's

Article Written By: Ivy Davila

Masquerade masks were traditionally produced in Italy to become a type of diversion to the townfolk throughout festival season, and stuck on effortlessly as, once disguised behind a mask, the gentlemen and women could freely blend with the commoners throughout event. Old Italian law proclaimed both classes were not authorized to mingle, a law that, if violated could result in serious discipline. Even in the face of such penalty, the noblemen with the clergy would conceal themselves and socialize among the commoners, doing their very best to ferret out very important political knowledge from them. The design of the masquerade disguise can be as basic or as detailed as the maker could dream of. Because beads, ribbon and feathers were typically plentiful and radiant, they were popular materials on masks. After their creation in Italy, the attraction of the masquerade mask spread out quickly worldwide.

Variations of Venetian Masks

There are five basic Venetian mask types which often can be composed of leather, paper mache' or with the usage of gesso and gold leaf. The Bauta mask, with its square jawline, pointed chin and no mouth, shielded the face for complete anonymity. The Bauta is one of the earliest Venetian masks, whose proper name is "Larva," which means ghost mask. The Bauta mask was developed with a jutting beaked front, permitting its wearer to both eat and drink while staying masked-the design also modified the tone of the wearer's voice, adding further to the mystery. The Bauta was always either black or white and was the one mask which was not worn merely at carnival times; it was actually necessary for women to put on the Bauta mask while relishing an evening at the theater.

The attractive black velvet oval mask, believed to complement the feminine characteristics, is known as a Moretta or Servetta Mutta, signifying a mute maid servant, probably because the wearer was unable to speak a result of the mask's design. The Moretta mask was created in France but became quite the rage among Venetian women who wore it while visiting the convent, perhaps to help ensure their silence. While the original Moretta mask was kept secured by having a button clenched between the wearer's teeth, today's Moretta masks favor ties.

The Larva or Volto masquerade mask is almost all white, and in most cases worn with a three cornered hat to complete the costume. Much like the Bauta, the contour of the mask alotted the individual to breathe and drink, subsequently there was no requirement to take it off and expose one's identity. The Larva masks were constructed with fine wax cloth, and were considerably lightweight, making them ideal for eating, dancing-and mingling!

The Columbino mask was a half-mask, secured to the face using a baton or tied with a ribbon. It was a stunning actress from the sixteenth century who prompted the Columbino; it had been rumored that she considered herself too stunning to cover her whole face. Combine masks can be embellished with fur, feathers, jewels, gold, silver and crystals.

The Medico Della Peste mask (The Plague Doctor). A French Physician named Charles de Lorme was the mask's developer who genuinely made the mask as a precaution for caring for subjects with the plague. Medico Della Peste is a complete full-faced mask which features an extended, modest, hollow beak. These masks are typically solid white, with round eye holes adorned with crystal discs.

The domino mask is a small rounded mask covering only the eyes and the space between them; Venetian Carnival masks were known as domini basically because they looked like French priests' winter hoods, being black on the exterior and white in the interior. The domino mask is just like the masquerade mask, but is lacking in the embellishments and adornment.

The most popular colors for the masks were commonly intense oranges, reds, blues and greens, with darker colors typically being reserved for the men's full-face mask. Masks are still popular today be it at a Venetian carnival, an unconventional wedding, costume balls, or special celebrations like Chinese New Year and Renaissance Fair. By far the most favorite use is in the celebration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Masquerade masks are also frequently used as only interesting pieces of artwork. New Year's Masquerade balls are also extremely popular special occasion-after all, donning a beautiful masquerade mask to welcome in the New Year just seems to go together! Prominent colors for New Year's parties are often black and white or black and silver, and often people use stick masks for these functions as they can be used periodically. If you find yourself wanting to look truly stylish not to mention elegant this New Year's, think about the inclusion of a masquerade mask as part of your outfit.

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