Masks in Celtic and Viking Cultures: From the beginning of recorded history, masks have been worn for many reason and by all ancient cultures. The ancient Celtic and Viking peoples used them as a powerful mediator between the worlds, to frighten away spirits who might be angry, or to represent a Nature spirit - God. I do know that the Vikings used masks and helmets to scare their enemy.
Even the origins of scary Halloween masks go back to the old Celtic festival of Samhuinn (Scottish spelling). They were used to blend in with the dead who were believed to be able to cross over during this time of year because this is the time when the Ovates would do their rituals to help the recently deceased cross over, hence the veil was thinnest. Some of these spirits might have held a grudge or were kind of scary so they would use turnips (pumpkins in North America) and masks to frighten them away from themselves and their homes. One theory is that the people wore these costumes and masks to mimic the evil spirits and gain their goodwill and not damage crops or their things.
Owning and Storing a mask: When using a mask in ritual, always remember that the mask should never be taken lightly. If you are going to learn to use a mask, you must remember to revere it as a sacred object . Wrap it in a sacred cloth and store it in a respected place. When the mask is used a lot, it will become a living being with its own power. By putting his own self inside and allowing his body to be shared by the spirit the mask represents, the Shaman becomes that spirit. Celtic and Viking masks and often their form and function were passed down through clans, families, or from individual to individual. When a new owner receives the gift, it is usually spiritually reactivated or aesthetically restored by polishing, repainting and redecorating, without destroying the basic form and symbolism. In many instances, however, the mask is used only for one ceremony or occasion and then is discarded or destroyed, sometimes by burning.
Even the origins of scary Halloween masks go back to the old Celtic festival of Samhuinn (Scottish spelling). They were used to blend in with the dead who were believed to be able to cross over during this time of year because this is the time when the Ovates would do their rituals to help the recently deceased cross over, hence the veil was thinnest. Some of these spirits might have held a grudge or were kind of scary so they would use turnips (pumpkins in North America) and masks to frighten them away from themselves and their homes. One theory is that the people wore these costumes and masks to mimic the evil spirits and gain their goodwill and not damage crops or their things.
Owning and Storing a mask: When using a mask in ritual, always remember that the mask should never be taken lightly. If you are going to learn to use a mask, you must remember to revere it as a sacred object . Wrap it in a sacred cloth and store it in a respected place. When the mask is used a lot, it will become a living being with its own power. By putting his own self inside and allowing his body to be shared by the spirit the mask represents, the Shaman becomes that spirit. Celtic and Viking masks and often their form and function were passed down through clans, families, or from individual to individual. When a new owner receives the gift, it is usually spiritually reactivated or aesthetically restored by polishing, repainting and redecorating, without destroying the basic form and symbolism. In many instances, however, the mask is used only for one ceremony or occasion and then is discarded or destroyed, sometimes by burning.