| Mask for Mardi Gras … Make it Yourself!
A mask can be fun to hide behind at Halloween, but it can mean much more than trick or treat.
Masks have been used by peoples all over the world for thousands of years.
In Africa, it is believed that spirits living in the mask can give it great power. Some masks are sacred. Doing something that goes against the law of the mask can bring a harsh punishment.
During tribal ceremonies, masks are worn with a costume while dancing. Masked tribal members act out stories that tell their people of important religious and social ideas. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine what a mask might mean. Seeing the mask together with its costume often makes it easier to understand its meaning.
Carnival
On Tuesday, February 27 in New Orleans, Louisiana, revellers will celebrate and dance in the streets.
Mardi Gras is a big party.
People walk in large crowds, hiding behind fancy masks that can cost hundreds of dollars.
The masks allow them to play out some last moments of fun before the Christian observance of Lent — 40 days of fasting leading to Easter — begins.
People travel to New Orleans from all over the world to take part in the fun.
   
You can celebrate
Kids, make a mask and enter the Mardi Gras Mask Off mask-making contest. To celebrate Mardi Gras, stores in Annapolis Harbour Center will display your hand-made masks. Big prizes are up for grabs in three age groups: kids through adult. The deadline for mask enty is Feb. 12 for judging on Feb. 15. For information & registration, call 410/266-5931.
- Use the idea below to come up with your own mask.
- Trace the outline of the mask on a piece of strong paper such as poster paper.
- Glue the mask to the paper.
- Glue a popsicle stick to one bottom corner of the mask and let dry.
- Now you can hold the mask up to your face.
Masquerade – A disguise or false show. A party at which masks are worn.
Kids' Calendar
“COSMIC” is Coming
Sun. Feb. 4 (4pm)-Kids, bring your friends and family and come listen to music from Babes in Toyland, Finlandia, and The Nutcracker. The Chamber Orchestra of Southern Maryland will perform A Winter Fantasy. See and hear what symphony music is all about. $5. Calvert High School, Prince Frederick.
rsvp: 410/535-0291.
Sweet Maple Sugar
Sun. Feb. 11 (2-3 pm) -Would you eat anything called a tree cookie? You would if it were made with maple sugar. Where does maple sugar come from? Become a tree tapper for a day, collect some sap and find out. Ages 6-10. $3. Battle Creek Nature Center, Port Republic.
rsvp: 410/535-5327.
Sweetheart Party
Tues. Feb 13 (10:30-noon)-Come celebrate Valentine’s Day. Dress up and make some Valentine’s Day crafts. Play neat games then eat a special treat. Ages 3-5. $3 Northeast Community Center, Chesapeake Beach. rsvp: 410/257-2554.
Let’s Go to the Ballgame
Spring’s almost here. The sounds of birdies chirping and the crack of the bats. Kids, sign up now for baseball and softball.
Practices are beginning soon. Have fun and meet new friends. Ages tee-ball -14. Galesville on the West River. rsvp: 410/867-9576 or 410/741-1226.
Copyright 2001
Bay Weekly
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