DO YOU WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT ONI MASK IN JUST A FEW SECONDS, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
All may not know very well about japans’ mythology so let’s take a close look at what the oni mask is actually in just a few seconds.
A Japanese oni mask is a traditional Japanese mask, which people of Japan wear during some special festivities and celebrations. In Japan ‘’ Oni ‘’ refers to a variety of creatures like demons, evils, spirits, scary creatures, and ghosts too. These creatures are usually very cunning and cheater.
The oni mask in simple terms‘’ an ogre mask or Demon mask’’ The oni mask is usually in red and has long terrifying horns, which represents the demon from Japan’s folklore. An oni mask is a way to scare people and a source of lots of fun for people.
WHAT DOES THE ONI MASK SYMBOLIZE?
The oni mask is associated with the god of war called,’’ Oni-no-Kami’’. In folklore, it is believed that the Oni mask was invented during the Edo period in Japan. The Oni mask is the symbol of power and the oni mask is worn by warriors during battle.
The Oni mask is related to the demons and demons are always considered the cause of destruction and they bring disease and destruction wherever they go.
In Japanese mythology, it is also believed that these demons are born when a truly evil human being dies.
The group of believers in folklore also acknowledges that oni was in charge of punishing those who are evil people. The bad individuals will be reborn into oni after death themselves.
The oni torture people by peeling the skin off of the victims and crushing bones too.
Oni masks are oni-inspired Japanese masks, these oni masks are popular motifs in Japanese folklore and culture. The oni masks are common subjects and stories, often appearing as antagonists.
The oni mask protects the wearer from evil spirits and gives strength to fighters in battle. Nowadays these masks are not only worn as japans’ popular motif in Japanese art but also used often in japans’ orthodox theater.
3 BRIEF TYPES OF ONI MASKS
Japan is famous for its strange and unique folklore. In the same way, the oni mask also symbolizes the methodology of Japan. Now oni masks are limited to theaters or festivals. The oni mask is painted with different colors and is made with different materials.
Here are the 3 types of Japanese Oni masks:
- Hannya Mask
- Kabuki Mask
- Noh Mask
Now we must take a look briefly at the above-mentioned 3 oni masks.
1. Hannya Oni Mask
This is the most common wear and common type of oni mask. This mask represents the women being possessed by the devil or evil spirits. This oni mask is seen in Black and red color. The Hannya oni mask is widely used in plays to perform the scary role or to play an evil character.
2. Kabuki Mask
Kabuki oni masks are supposed to be animal or mythical creatures. Kabuki oni masks in white color. The kabuki oni mask is worn by the actor or actress, who is playing comedic roles.
3. Noh Mask
These oni masks are also in white and worn by the actor playing the noble character. These masks are widely used in stage plays.
BEAN-THROWING FESTIVAL (SETSUBUN FESTIVAL)
Bean-throwing festival is a Japanese convention. It is celebrated at the beginning of spring. At the SETSUBUN FESTIVAL, people wear oni masks and throw beans at other people, to reward the evil spirits. According to the lunar calendar, The festival falls on the first day of spring, Setsubun means’’ seasonal division’’.
BURNING ISSUES WITH ONI MASK
Here are some most frequent issues which people often ask about oni masks and we also want to discuss these oni mask topics with you. Let’s begin!
● WHY DOES SAMURAI WEAR ONI MASK?
Anyone who knows about Chinese or Japanese traditional movies must be aware of Samurai, in traditional Japanese movies; the fierce Japanese warriors wore Oni masks. But we must know what is the purpose of wearing the Oni mask by samurai fighters.
There are many hypotheses that say that the oni mask is used to
Intimidate opponents: On the battlefield, these masks were used to intimidate opponents. A mask-wearer Samurai looks scarier and more powerful even, would be enough to make the bravest warrior think twice about taking him on.
Protect the Warrior’s Identity: Another theory says that the Japanese oni mask was used to protect the warrior’s identity. When the Japanese army often hired assassins, it was necessary to hide their identity with oni masks. Wearing the oni mask would help the warrior and make him more difficult to be identified by others.
In all, it is good to say that an oni mask helps the Samurai armor and plays a very important role for them. The Oni mask was part of Samurai armor. The Oni mask helped them to look scarier, evil, and more intimidating. Also, the Oni mask served as a practical purpose for hiding their identities.
● ARE ONI MASKS UNLUCKY FOR US?
Most out of 100 ninety-nine % of Japanese believe that Oni masks are not good and describe bad luck and evilness but now the thinking has varied and people of Japan and around the world think that Oni masks and creatures are now an emblem of protection.
Now anyone can wear the oni mask during festivities to ward off bad luck or evil entities.
● HOW ARE ONI MASKS MADE?
Oni masks are made with many materials like paper Mache. These masks are also made with several other materials like wood, fiberglass, leather, cloth, and plastic too.
Now the oni masks made of the newspaper are also popular. This is not only the way to create the masks as much as you want but also a great way to recycle newspapers.
● HOW TO DIY ONI MASK
I know you are excited, me too! Let’s start our DIY Japanese mask.
Material:
- Elastic bands
- Scissors
- Paper Mache
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- A balloon
- Newspaper ( paper Strips)
How to prepare?
- Inflating the balloon according to the required size.
- Cut 1-inch wide strips of the newspaper.
- Dip newspaper strips one by one into paper Mache and paste them on the balloon, continue until the entire balloon is covered.
- Once the paper Mache balloon is dry, pop the balloon and remove it from the mask.
- Now it’s time to paint and add desired details like eyes and mouth.
- Cut small holes for the eyes.
- Cut very small holes in the sides of the mask and thread elastic bands through them.
- Prepare a cone shape or triangle shape with newspaper strips dipped in paper Mache. Join these cone shapes at the head of the oni mask for horns.
Your desired Oni mask is ready, are you ready to wear it? You can use your oni mask on many events like the bean-throwing festival or for hanging decorations at home. Oni mask can be designed in any shape and in any color you want. You can also buy the oni mask from an online mask seller.
LET’S SUM IT UP!
Oni masks and many other Japanese masks are part of Japanese culture. Oni mask plays a significant role in every festival, theater, and religious event. Today the oni mask is used for self-expression and for fashion. I am sure that if you take a closer look at these masks, you will definitely want to wear them and will not be able to stop being impressed by their beauty.
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