Festive Masks

Masked festive ceremonies are usually held at certain times of the year. At the beginning or end of the seasons, or at times between the old and new moon when the supernatural world is especially likely to make itself felt, ritual masquerades are traditionally held.

Throughout Europe and the Americas, folk festivals involving masks have alot to do with the changing of seasons. Some of the most famous of these festivals includes the driving away of winter in Austria and parts of Switzerland. Masks are worn in Mexico and Guatemala for storytelling and caricature, such as the "The Dance of the Old Men, The Moors, and The Christians." Also, Eskimos and the Ibos of Nigeria create comic or satiric masks for festivals of merrymaking.

Masks are still frequently used in festivities in the 20th century. Funny, grotesque, or horrible, masks are usually used for good natured fun in festivals. These modern day festivals include mardi gras, halloween, and "masked" dances or balls. Mardi Gras is a christian celebration of "the feast before the fast". Mardi Gras takes place on "Fat Tuesday" the day to over indulge before the beginning of lent on "Ash Wednesday". Masks and costumes are worn to go along with the celebrations of Mardi Gras.

Festive masks take place in The Lord of the Flies when the savages go hunting. The mask of clay on their faces disguises them from prey.

Masks In Music

The history of masks, and the history of music cross vaguely, many times. They have crossed through such things as religions, and rituals. But, masks coming to the fore front of music did not occur up until the last 50 years.

Masks are being seen in artists and bands more and more. They are worn ultimately, to promote the message being presented in the music the artists are performing. But also, the masks make a statement. They are an icon of uniquness and style, changing what is potentially regular music, into a whole different way of listening.

Masks rise up in a variety of different genres. From the dance/pop tunes of Lady GaGa, to the badass white rappers in Hollywood Undead, to the guys in Slipknot who look like they are straight out of a horror film, masks are being shown off by many different forms of musical talents.

Lady Gaga has commented on her style: "When I'm writing music, I'm thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It's all about everything altogether—performance art, pop performance art, fashion. For me, it's everything coming together."

Masks in music takes place in The Lord of the Flies when the boys sing their chant.. "Kill The pig, spill its blood.." while there faces are masked with different colors of clay.