History and Function of Masks - Essay Sample

Wearing masks has become the new norm since the outbreak of coronavirus, a pandemic that continues to wreak havoc on many fronts. The impacts of the epidemic are so widespread that they are no longer negligible. Some of the methods and policies to control the outbreak and minimize new infections include wearing masks. This initiative is foreign to many people in Western societies. It was adopted to reduce the threat of the pandemic spreading further, and the results have been positive. This essay provides an overview of the habit of wearing masks as it was before the epidemic.

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Masks offer protection in various vocations. Masks are traditionally known to be used as a part of safety gear at work, especially for employees who work in disciplines that involve much dust or require high levels of hygiene. In healthcare, masks must be worn by surgeons during surgical operations to maintain high sanitation levels and prevent the passage of germs to and from the surgeon. People who work in the construction industry need masks to help breathe and minimize breathing in dust particles. The use of masks to offer protection to workers in various vocations is a global phenomenon.

Masks are also associated with culture. They are an essential part of costumes that are donned when celebrating important cultural events and activities. This use of masks is shared for western and Eastern cultures. Even so, the exact ways in which masks are used differ (Zechner, 2016). The use of masks in Western cultures is primarily on festivals and holidays, with Halloween as the holiday in which people wear masks the most. Eastern cultures have a rich history with masks, and the practice has been around for a long. Wearing masks in Eastern cultures is practically close to being normal.

Masks have existed for more extended periods in Canada. Most of the masks that have lived in this country have been used and worn for different reasons. They include ceremonial as well as ritual, protection, and also theatrical. The masks in Canada are made from readily available local materials. Apart from Halloween, the USA does not have many applications for masks. Halloween is the most significant domain in the consumption/usage of masks in the United States. They are also used as a way of covering individuals from diseases that have affected individuals.

Masks are an essential element in many Eastern cultures. The Chinese New Year is the biggest holiday of the year in China. It comprises a week-long celebration of Chinese culture and also a great time to show off some of the best designs that people come up with. The masks serve as a very crucial element to the Chinese people. It represents spirits, deities, and fabled animals from which the Chinese New Year originates. Filipino Dinagyang Masks are used in the celebration of a festival of music and dance. It is a celebration of Filipino culture and includes creative and masterful art pieces. The two are examples of the many uses of masks and the cultures associated with them in Eastern cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, masks were there even before the pandemic. The primary use of masks in Eastern and Western cultures has been different. Masks are not standard in Western cultures compared to Eastern cultures. Western cultures use masks mostly for safety and in celebration of the Halloween holidays. Eastern cultures have heavy use of masks with numerous cultural practices, events, and festivals, often masks and costumes.

Reference

Zechner, S. (2016). 10 Incredible Cultural Masks From Around the World. Blog | Western Union. Retrieved 21 September 2020, from https://www.westernunion.com/blog/cultural-masks-of-the-world/