Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Dress Yourself: Undress your Soul

By Geoffrey Diapprozziano

Has the thought of becoming invisible ever crossed your mind? Have you ever felt the need to divulge your hidden desire to be someone and outwardly express it? Or do you simply want to live an inner fantasy? Costumes and masks may be the tools necessary to do all of the above.

First, let's examine the origin of masks.

Masks were first introduced to the public for day-to-day use in thirteenth century Venice. They allowed the citizens of Venice to freely promote their ideas and voice their opinions without fear from the government or from any higher authority. Business could be done freely without fearing retribution from other businessmen, as their identities were all concealed.

Clearly, in today's society, such a lifestyle is simply impossible.

Venetian masks are worn today during the two days that American culture has adopted as its own, Halloween and Mardi Gras, in which a similar feeling is tasted by all who celebrate them. By creating such masks and costumes, one can reveal his inner self in any form that may take. Therefore, the right costume is key to identifying with your being of choice.

Many creative individuals opt to buy Halloween and Mardi Gras accessories and fashion their own outfit. However, a wide array of costumes and masks already exists in today's market. Superhero, pirate, witch, angel, cowboy, sports athlete, and many other types of Venetian masks are available. The idea of becoming one with your inner-self is very much a reality.

Not only do Halloween props and Mardi Gras masks generate excitement for all who posses them and express themselves through them, but they also leave room for all who look at them to imagine what lies behind the mask. It is, therefore, befitting that costume Halloween parties are grounds of new and growing relationships.

American culture cannot permit one to conceal his identity from the authorities or even from other citizens as was done in Venice. However, these two days are the reminder to all of us of the desire for our inner-selves to surface and to be outwardly expressed.

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