Chinese New Years Masks

Sarah Thompson

History and the Traditions of the New Years celebration: In China preparations for the New Year celebration begins a month before the date in order to prepare. The true name of the New Years celebration is actually called “The spring celebration”. The celebration is most commonly known as “The spring festival”. The date of the New Year is always changing due to the way the calendar is designed. In China the New Year’s celebration lasts around 15 days. The New Year marks the beginning of planting season.

The people of China sweep their homes free of dust and dirt to get rid of the evil spirits and free them from bad luck. The doors and windows of the home are painted red for good luck and then covered with printed paper representing wealth and happiness. On the eve of New Years they cook a big meal usually of dumplings and seafood. Oysters represent all good things and raw fish represents good luck and prosperity. Before the ceremony the people of China usually cook, buy clothes, clean their homes and buy presents. At the end of the ceremony they set off fireworks to wake up the dragon and scare away evil spirits.

The Masks: These masks are worn by the Chinese people to welcome the New Year through out the world. These masks originated in ancient religious ceremonies and continue to be used today. The masks are only seen through the time of New Years. The masks depict moods, emotions and enjoyment of the New Year. The Masks are thought to be based off of spirits, gods, good, evil and animal ancestors. The masks are shown and used during joyous dances and ceremonies. The masks show rich vivid colors and different themes of the festivities.

Functions: The functions of the masks are to proceed with the praising of god and spirits. The masks are also protection from the bad or evil spirits in the air. Protection of their home and natural disasters are also important functions of the masks. Human or animalistic masks are also hung in the home for decoration after the ceremonies. The masks are usually worn on the face but can also cover the body to achieve a more animalistic look. Example: the dragon.

Materials and Colors: The materials of the masks are usually made up of stones, metals, leather, cloth, paper, grass, etc. The main colors of the masks are Yellow which means cruelty, Silver and gold represents gods, demons, spirits and ghosts. Blue represents strength and bravery. Green shows justice and chivalry. The most common color in the masks and dragon is red which represents prosperity. The masks are mostly organic forms with some geometric applications. A common attachment would be fur and ribbons. Their designs are mostly symmetrical with bright colors.

The Dragon: The dragon is very complex and contains elaborate applications of fur. The dragon is usually shown with the colors red, gold and blue. The dragon is usually shown with a wide mouth or yawning jaw. The dragon also represents good luck, fortune, and rain.

Classroom Questions:

1. What are some of the materials the Chinese New Year mask uses?

2. What is the most common color used when creating these masks?

3. What do the masks protect? 4. Do the masks use geometric, organic, symmetrical or a-symmetrical designs?

5. What do the colors silver and gold represent?

References

Xun,Z.(1987). NewYearsMasks . In Name of editor goes here (Ed.), China Books & Periodicals 5000

years of Chinese costumes