From: The12 Best Carnivals Around The World
Another typical mask of the Venice Carnival is the Gnaga, used by men to dress up as women. The costume consists of every day female clothing and a mask with cat-like appearance; the mask wearer often carried a basket containing a kitten and posed as a commoner woman, emitting shrill sounds and meows. (Italy Magazine - Venice Carnival’s Most Typical Masks and Costumes)
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A little piece of history sheds some light.
From Veneto Insider -
The Venice Carnival origins are to be found in two ancient traditions: the Latin Saturnalia and the Greek Dionysian cults - major religious festivals involving the use of masks and symbolic representations. The Venice Carnival history and meanings take their cue from these traditions, recasting them for their own purposes: in the Saturnalia of ancient Rome the social order was overturned and slaves and free citizens poured into the city to celebrate with music and wild dancing; in the Greek Dionysia processions and plays were intended to unite the human being with nature in a superior harmony, free of social conventions established by man.
Have you ever attended? What is your take?
Thanks for the history lesson.
ReplyDeleteAngel Amore