Masquerade party masks have a very long and distinguished history. First created in Venice in the 1300s, these masks quickly became a social equalizer.
Like most European nations, Italy and the city of Venice were very class ridden during the 14th century. The nobility did not mix with the middle class and the middle class did not mingle with those living in poverty. However, masquerade parties were enjoyed by individuals in all classes.
While wearing elaborate costumes and ornately decorated masks, individuals were unrecognizable to any who did not know in advance what their costume would be. This created occasions where people of all classes could and did mix and mingle freely.
People of high class were normally more limited in what activities were acceptable when attending a formal party. However, when they put on a masquerade mask, they were able to lose many of their inhibitions and behave more freely. In many cases, actions were taken that would never have happened without the anonymity offered by the mask.
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