MASKS AND CARNIVAL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 May 1938, Page 5

MASKS AND CARNIVAL

OBSERVANCES IN FRANCE Though less observed in Paris, Carnival is still popular in the French provinces, and visitors are surprised at the number of masks and costumes seen in the streets. Few of the merry French youths and maids who put on a mask know of its origin. M Andre Varagnac, of the Musee National de Arts et Traditions Populaires, has recently published an interesting study on Carnival, which in former times began on Twelfth Night and went on until the Sunday after Shrove Tuesday. In ancient times, the dead were believed to return to earth in spring and cause the wheat to grow, and to stimulate the dead, young men wore terrifying masks. These in time were replaced by less awesome and merrier masks.

French peasants in some parts of France still believe that spirits of the departed take part in processions wherever masks are worn. It is great fun trying to discover the identity of the wearers of masks, who knock loudly at cottage doors and are admitted. If no one is able to guess their identity, then the master of the house offers the revellers wine, when they are obliged to remove their masks to drink. In France at Carnival time one sees masks for sale portraying the features of well-known music hall artistes. Maurice Chevalier and Mistinguett being great favourites.