Abstract

Dedicated to the memory of Nelly Adolfivna Ivanova-Georgievs“ka This article analyzes the origins, symbolism and meaning of modern carnival masks. Explore of the essence of carnival and masquerade the author started on the recommendation of N. A. Ivanova-Georgievs“ka in 2000 when preparing the first «round table» on the problems of laughter. The element of any carnival, New Year”s masquerade ball, children”s morning performance, many performances and actions is a mask to which we are accustomed from childhood and often do not think about its secret meanings, although the disguise has been known since ancient times. Traditionally, it is believed that the main purpose of the Masks of antiquity is to hide a person, to distract him from attention, to protect him and at the same time to present another person capable of inspiring fear, to remind of other mythical beings, deities. The mask was originally a conductor between the real world and the world of the supernatural, destructive and subjugating - the world of spirits. When immersed in this world, a person experienced fear and as a spiritual defence used the Mask. It should be noted that a total analysis of the values of the masquerade from ancient times to the present day in different regions of the world has not yet been done. The purpose of our research is to try to find common grounds for masking and the meaning of the masks of the modern world. Although the modern Mask, having separated from the original meaning, became an attribute of a secular holiday, a habit, a fashion, and sometimes a dress code, based on ancient symbols of different images, religious principle, and most importantly – the source of all the main masks was fear, fear of being recognized And punished – by God, spirits or the power of people. It is shown that the main factor in the production and dissemination of the mask was the fear and desire of a man to impersonate another person and thus defend himself.