Shakespeare A to Z | Masques
The masque, a form of dramatic entertainment, originated in ancient fertility rites and evolved in the 1400s from two sources. One was the Italian court amusements, or dramatic performances. The other source was the English tradition of mummery, in which ordinary people disguised themselves and serenaded their friends and neighbors on holidays, such as during the Christmas season. As masques developed in England, they became more elegant and subdued. Among the aristocracy, they frequently involved surprise visits from costumed friends bearing gifts and accompanied by musicians and other...
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