The Amazing Story of Venetian Masquerade Masks - By: Polen Melchor

Now who among us isn't fascinated with Venetian masquerade masks? We use them for wall decorations and even occasionally from time to time, even put one on at a party or in a curio shop that sells these types of items. So just were did they come from and why a mask for a party in the first place? Did they actually come from Venice.

They Can Be Traced Back To Venice In the 1100's

The fact is that the furthest back that they can be traced is to about 1100 in Venice. But they really became popularized in North American culture in places like New Orleans, Washington DC and areas of the east coast back in the 1700's. You see, these societies back, then just as they were in early Venice, were very puritanical societies.

These Were Real Straight Laced People Back Then

Not only were they very religious but they were far less egalitarian then the societies that we live in today. That is that social status was far more difficult to attain and those who had it protected what they had. In short men and women of high society were expected to behave a certain why and failure to abide by these rules could be disastrous both socially and economically.

Even Upper Crust Folk Needed To “Bust Loose” Once In While

However; people are in the end, all just people and everyone even “snooty upper crust folk” need to unwind from time to time or they will end up in the loony bin. So these peoples in these societies created special seasons or times of year when they had carnivals, parades, and balls that were often just before a religious holiday like Lent.

The Venetian Masquerade Masks Helped To Conceal Their Identities

The timing was perfect and the Venetian masquerade masks worked just great. People would put on capes, bazaar outfits and masks to hide their identities then drink liquor and play “grab-ass” with one another late into the night, just like the peasant folk did every weekend. Then in a couple of weeks the religious holiday would roll around and they would all march down to the parish, confess and be forgiven for their “naughty” behavior.

Now who among us isn't fascinated with Venetian masquerade masks? We use them for wall decorations and even occasionally from time to time, even put one on at a party or in a curio shop that sells these types of items. So just were did they come from and why a mask for a party in the first place? Did they actually come from Venice.

Published by Polen Melchor. If you're curious about this subject, come to my website for more info on venetian masquerade masks and SEO Company.