A most important element of Halloween, for young and old alike, is the mask. Masks are a familiar and vivid element in any folk and traditional cultures.
They are the compulsory part in ceremonies, rituals and festivals, and are often of an ancient origin. Masks are often used almost universally and maintain their power and mystery both of their wearers and their audience.
Now a day’s children celebrating Halloween prefer masks that are usually mass produced plastic creations, often associated with popular films, TV programs or cartoon characters and that is a far cry from how children generations ago would have bedecked themselves!
However they are reminders of the enduring power of pretense and play, and the power appeal of masks.
