Comedy and Tragedy Masks
Venetian Masks, Mardi Gras, and Masquerade Ball Masks
Comedy tragedy masks are familiar to all of us. If you are even in the theatre briefly you will come across these two masks before long. The majority of us who see theatre masks immediately know that they are related to the theatre in some way, but still we may not know how the comedy tragedy masks originated or their true significance.
Today these comedy tragedy masks are used to represent the creative arts. In particular, the theatre masks represent television, film and theater. However, in ancient Greek theatre, comedy and tragedy were the main themes of the traveling theatre festivals when they visited Greek towns. These themes honored the Greek god of wine, Dionysus. The Greeks believed that the masks stood for the two sides of Dionysus, as well as the effects of too much wine – either joyous rivalry or deep sorrow which were the emotions they noticed in a person who consumed a little too much wine 
The traveling festivals used comedy to deflate the inflated notions of ourselves and to demonstrate how silly we truly are; whereas they used tragedy in their festivals to allow their audience to relate to the harsh realities in our lives such as failure and death. They used both extremes of reality in the safe context of the plays. Today the comedy tragedy masks have become associated mainly with drama.
The ancient masks were made of linen, wood and clay and had a wig attached so that the entire head of the actor could be hidden. The mouths of the masks were wide open for easier speaking.
Today you are able to purchase comedy tragedy masks in a very wide array of materials, colors and for a very wide variety of purposes. These masks today are not only still used in the theatre but many people use them for off stage events, like regular parties and for costume parties.
The comedy tragedy masks are often also used in homes to decorate an otherwise dull room. Plaques can be bought to mount on the walls, or you can purchase framed prints of the masks against striking backgrounds to place on your walls or in a standing frame. Masks are also made in brass as decorative wall sconces for your home.
Comedy tragedy masks are available in colored porcelain or ceramic with ribbon on each side, and these can be added to your collection. Masks are available in gold metallic plastic with elastic bands attached. These can be worn or can be used also for decoration or as center pieces. Masks are also available in gold and silver pendants and other jewelry pieces for your wearing enjoyment and they are even used in the design of tattoos and clothing.
It is a little difficult to believe that as simple as comedy tragedy masks are, they have endured into the present day and their original intent is still acknowledged and upheld. That is the amazing fact of what has occurred with these masks. Whether you are a budding actor, have a costume party coming up, or are simply a theatre buff, ownership of comedy tragedy masks in whatever form you choose, will certainly assert your interest in the theatre!
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