Even though today the mask is often evoked for dissimulation and deceit, it is interesting to see that it also conveys very different meanings according the different societies as well as different periods of human history.
In the West, the mask has often been used to veil the true identity of a person: hence the use of it during the carnival where people from different social ladders could mingle and do things that – had their identity been revealed – would cause their disgrace. Another interesting example of this can be found in Ancient Rome: the mask, called “persona”, was the social mask needed in order to shield the individual from society.
In the other hand, in Greece as well as in Japan, the mask is not conceived for veiling the identity but rather to replace it. Indeed, masks are used in theater in order to create the catharsis in the public – meaning : to waken in us the deepest and truest emotions.
Hence the ambiguity of the mask – from shield to mirror of truth.
Now you take the floor: what do you associate with the mask?
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Sometimes the mask we are wearing, is easily forgotten, and it becomes difficult to remove because perhaps life is too enjoyable or easier when the mask is adorned…
but one has to tear it off if one must live truthfully to life and one’s soul.
to waken in us the deepest and truest emotions, it is freedom and love
Mask for me is associated with forgetting the everyday life and letting my “higher self” act. In African traditions mask is a vessel for the gods or spirits to act through human body and speech. So this is the first thing that comes to my mind.
For masks that people wear to hide … not always good, but sometimes necessary, and there is always need to let the true feelings out!
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Few Lines I wrote after reading this article:
(Let me know what you guys think)
Mask the sorrow, for soon there will be a better tomorrow.
Mask the heat, for soon will happiness greet.
Mask the wire, but don't let it hurt your desire.
Mask ain't a thing, but look at what it brings.
Mask will take you there, Mask it cause you just don't care
Monish K Khosla
PS: If you ever read this Mr Paulo, I am from India, living in US – I am 25 years old and love to communicate with this world. I would like to have chat with you someday.
Email: monish21@gmail.com
Freedom… Though it is really strange that a restraint like a mask can be a source of freedom, but this is what it represents to me. I picture the Chinese opera and the tales of the warriors with angry, brave, villain, and coward masks that display fixed emotion throughout the story, yet does not hinder the smooth flow of the story line. that is because they are a reflection of the personality not the emotion.
Reality is the source of restraint, the Mask is the source of Freedom.
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