Why Are Masks Worn on Mardi Gras?
Mardi Gras is a time of celebration and excess before Lent, the Catholic period of abstinence and penitence, and it has been celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday for hundreds of years. Traditions from around the world are incorporated in the diverse and unique celebration that is Mardi Gras. Many cultures have used masks as a way to evoke emotion and honor spirits or gods; the masks worn during Mardi Gras showcase the exuberance of the period.
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History of Masks
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Nearly every culture has some form of mask-wearing tradition. The Irish donned masks to ward off evil spirits on the day we now celebrate as Halloween. The Japanese and Greeks used elaborate masks in their performing arts to represent the emotions a character felt during the play. During festivals to the gods, Romans wore masks to conceal their identities in case the celebrations got out of hand.
Roman Satunalia
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In ancient Rome, the Saturnalia was a celebration of the god Saturn. In late December, worshipers followed sacrifices with festivals and feasts. Nearly all social restrictions were lifted and roles were reversed. Slaves were treated as equals and were often waited upon by their masters. As the celebration evolved, women and men traded places and adopted alter egos through masks and costumes. Catholics integrated many of the traditions of Saturnalia into their own holidays.
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Carnevale
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During Lent, Catholics are forbidden to eat meat. The tradition of Carnevale, which means "farewell to meat," began in Italy as a three-month celebration, running from early January to early March. The festivities included feasts, parades and, of course, masked balls. Masks allowed partygoers to indulge without fear of being recognized and added to the excitement of the celebration. The final, and most raucous, day of Carnevale is Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras
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French for "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras is a single day of excessive indulgence. The last day before Lent begins is a chance for celebrants to indulge before they say "farewell to meat." Mardi Gras celebrants wear masks to fuel their imaginations and conceal their identity; the anonymity heightens the sense of excitement and encourages people to let loose.
New Orleans
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New Orleans, with its combination of cultures and religions, has closely linked mask wearing to Mardi Gras. Revelers use their masks to change or conceal who they are, allowing them to act in ways they never would in their everyday lives. Mardi Gras offers people a way to assume a new identity as they connect with centuries-old traditions that have been largely abandoned in the modern world.
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