Incarnate Tour and Giveaway! Traditional vs. Modern Masquerades

Welcome to the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt!

This week, 48 bloggers are celebrating the release of INCARNATE by Jodi Meadows by participating in a treasure hunt with clues, activities, and lots of prizes including signed books and handknit fingerless mitts. You've reached a CLUE blog, which means somewhere on this page is a clue to finding the hidden page and grand prize entry form on Jodi's website. Follow 26 clues to get there!

For more information on the INCARNATE Theater Treasure Hunt, check out Jodi's post.

Traditional vs. Modern Masquerade Balls

Traditional history of masquerade balls:

Venetian masquerade ball

A masquerade ball is an event or party in which people dress up in elaborate costumes and masks.
Traditionally, masquerade balls were a feature of Carnival in Italy. Masquerades were often used to celebrate marriages and involved a large amount of formal, costumed dancing. Venetian masquerade balls were elaborate celebrations held for the upper class and sometimes the king and his men would dress up in costume and put on an act for guests. By the end of the 16th century, the use of masks began to decline, ultimately removing them from most masquerade balls.

Masquerades in London at the Haymarket Opera House

In the 17th and 18th century, masquerade balls moved throughout Europe and became more public events. The masquerade ball held at the Haymarket Opera House in London sparked the interest of the wealthy, in masquerade balls. Some of the more famous balls were held in London's public gardens and involved masked and costumed characters who would mingle with the guests.

When masquerade balls finally travelled to America they became more of a fun party game than a formal event. Guests were encouraged to dress in elaborate costumes and wear masks, only so they could all attempt to figure out who was who.

Modern masquerade balls:

Labyrinth of Jareth 

In the 1950s, a masquerade ball was held in Venice at the Palazzo Labia and was considered the "party of the century". This party is assumed to have revived masquerade balls. Today, the party atmosphere is emphasized rather than the formal costumes and dancing which are typical of the traditional masquerade ball. The most common form of a masquerade ball is the "costume party" which is assumed to be inspired by the Venetian tradition. The most famous masquerade ball, that currently still happens annually, is the Labyrinth of Jareth Fantasy Masquerade Ball which emphasizes the fantastical theme combined with Celtic themes and Goblin lore. The ball lasts an entire weekend and involves master costume makers and makeup artists.

Masquerade balls have also inspired some of the crazier parties on television shows such as Gossip Girl and Vampire Diaries.

Masquerade masks from Gossip Girl

Information from this post can be found at these sites: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masquerade_balls#History
http://masqueradeball.org/a-modern-masquerade-ball
http://www.labyrinthmasquerade.com/

My clue for the password is...
Third word: r
Remember, there are no spaces in this password!

Make sure you check out the next posts in the treasure hunt!
Is It Hot In Here Or Is It This Book?
YA Books Central
Letters Inside Out

On to my personal giveaway...

I absolutely loved INCARNATE so I'm giving YOU the chance to win a copy! You'll also win some signed INCARNATE swag that Jodi so generously provided.

The deets:

- US ONLY

- Must be 13 or older to enter

- Fill out the Rafflecopter form

- Winner will get a copy of INCARNATE (ordered by me from Amazon) and signed swag!

a Rafflecopter giveaway