Masks Of The Masquerade In The Elizabethan Era

In the 1600s the main form of entertainment was displayed in castles amongst many famous people of the king and queens court. Masquerades were first made popular by the court of King Henry VIII. Masquerades were a form of upper class entertainment that extended into the Elizabethan era. The staging, scenery, decor and setting were all very important aspects to a masquerade, they had to be perfect and full of excitement and beauty. The masquerades were a place that elegance and beauty flourished not only in the setting of the masquerade but in the colorful and elaborate costumes and outfits worn by the people of the masquerade.

Masks made the masquerades more exciting because they hide the true identity of the people.

“These costumed festivities

II. The upper class of the masquerades clothing was very expensive and detailed.

“Fantastic Costumes representing Greek Gods and Goddesses on Mount Olympus, fairies and mythical creatures were created.” (Elizabethan Masques) There clothes were usually made of high end silk, velvet, and satins that was usually colored with very expensive bright dye that was only available to upper class.

III. Many People attended masquerades to escape their usual duties in society.

“Wearing costumes and masks provided people with the opportunity to express desires that social conventions repressed in everyday life, which made these parties popular, even several centuries later.” (The evolution of the masquerade ball)

Upper class people would attend to do thing that would otherwise be frowned upon if they didn't have a mask and costume on.

IV. Masquerades etiquette was very formal and unique. “Most masquerades were also similar to each other in their enforcement of strict rules of dress and etiquette everyone had to be disguised.”(General Commonalities in the Masquerade)

At Masquerades woman were not allowed to work, they had to socialize and act out of their societal