Masquerades and Vampires

A masquerade is a being of some sort wearing costumes and masks for disguising in other to give an outward show While vampires are completely diabolical entities and often regarded as fictional, they are said to be mythological or folkloric entities who fed on the blood of the living to stay alive, that means in this context that they are dead somehow. Masquerades are in existence in today’s history and have been in existence for so long a time and usually they are culturally inclined and both the Masquerade and vampires have got legend. But little was known of the word “vampire” until the 18th century and basically the principles by which they operate were but folklores in novels and lately movies and games.

Masquerades are common entities in African cultures and parties especially local parties. In the developed world, masquerades are usually associated with fun and more fun, but down in Africa its “serious fun”. I know you might be surprised that I write on masquerade and vampires in one article, and you might begin to ask what is the connection? All vampires are diabolical and most masquerade also have connections with “charms”, witchcraft and … the list goes on and on depending on which masquerade we are talking about. It is believed that masquerades in days gone by were spirits. Usually they were a sign of peace and the likes to the community they were found. They were a means of settlements amongst erring individuals, in that they rewarded the good and punish the bad.(does that make Santa Claus a masquerade?). In some cultures it was even said that masquerade facilitate payment of tax (don’t ask me how, except if you want me to start writing on so many weird yet true stories that are beyond our understanding). Whether in developed or developing countries, masquerades are a bit of fun, at least to those who understand them. They don’t appear all the times in Africa, they’ve got season and should they come off-season, then there’s a problem and maybe the gods are angry or whatever. It’s just that the local community understands their masquerades and whatever sign they display, which make it seriously interesting. Mind you, masquerades are not “nice” to strangers.

Although, some masquerade has got no diabolical stuffs on them and are also not associated with any form of witchery. Like they do say masquerades attract tourist but when next you find yourself in such places of attraction, ask so many questions and be very careful.