Information on Mardi Gras Masks
Although Mardi Gras is a time of fun and revelry, it also has an air of mystery. Party-goers hold masks on sticks. Float-riders dress in costumes and wear masks. Onlookers also wear masks and dress in outrageous styles.
Masks are as much a part of Mardi Gras custom as parades and beads thrown from floats. They've been a part of the celebration since its beginnings in 18th century New Orleans, and today you can find a mask to suit whatever fantasy you can dream up.
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History
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The origins of Mardi Gras in New Orleans are traced to Jean de Bienville, a French explorer who landed near what is now the city of New Orleans and named it the Pointe de Mardi Gras after a holiday that Parisians had been celebrating since the Middle Ages.
The need to have a sort of "last-gasp" fling before the beginning of Lent explains the timing of the festival, which is always held before the fasting of Lent begins. The carnival season actually starts Jan. 6, on the Feast of the Epiphany or the Twelfth Night of Christmas, and continues until the climax on Fat Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday.
Mardi Gras celebrations began sometime in the 1730s, although the first parade wasn't held until 1872. Secret societies already existed in the city, and they marched through the streets on Fat Tuesday. This evolved into the "krewes" who organize each year's parade and determine its theme.
The King of the Carnival, known as Rex, was invented by a businessman to march in the first parade in 1872. The first Rex also used the Mardi Gras colors, which are now traditionally purple, green and gold.
Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana, by order of the Mardi Gras Act of 1875.
Masks Background
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Since Mardi Gras has its roots in the French carnival tradition, it has also borrowed some of its customs. Parisians held masked balls to celebrate Mardi Gras, and the revelers in New Orleans adopted the mask as well. Masks also suited the secrecy of the many ultra-exclusive societies that began forming in the 18th century and continue to exist to this day.
Riders on Mardi Gras floats are required by law to be masked at all times. Revelers are permitted to wear masks on Fat Tuesday, the only day that wearing a mask on the streets is legal. Many parade-goers dress in full costume, with masks to match.
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Types of Masks
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The simplest style of mask is the half-mask. These can be somewhat differently shaped, such as the "domino," which is rounded and covers part of the forehead and all of the upper face, including the nose, or the "harlequin," which is smaller and shaped somewhat like a cat's eyes.
Venetian-style masks are also half-masks, but they are elaborately painted and decorated with beads, glitter and feathers.
A jester's mask has pointed features and dangling bells. These are made in half-mask or full-mask styles.
Bird masks have their roots in the Indian costumes that are seen on March 19, or St. Joseph's Day, during the Super Sunday parade. They are made of feathers with sharp beak-like noses.
Full-sized masks can resemble just about anything, from the theatrical comedy/tragedy faces to animals.
Ceramic full-face masks are used for decoration and sold as souvenirs.
Buying Masks
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Mardi Gras masks are available online from party-supply companies, costume retailers and specialty Mardi Gras mask-makers. They are sold by theme, color, style, era and geographic location. The themes are varied, such as holidays, the circus, Broadway and the Roaring '20s. The colors can be the traditional purple, green and gold or any color or combination. The rule of mask-making seems to be "let your imagination run wild."
Of course, if you go to Mardi Gras and forget to take a mask, you can buy one in New Orleans.
Making Mardi Gras Masks
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If you (and your kids) like fun craft projects, you can find mask patterns online. You can also find mask supplies, from simple, white paint-it-yourself half-masks to elaborate decorations. This is a time to let your mind play, in the spirit of Mardi Gras. Paint it, bead it, glitter it, feather it. No matter how outlandish your creation is, you'll be right at home on Mardi Gras.
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