Nottingham Carnival 2013 THE FACTS Things you should know ! by Norma Gregory
4 Carnival
Nottingham Carnival 2013 THE FACTS Things you should know ! by Norma Gregory
What is the meaning and origin of the word ‘ carnival ’? It is said to come from the Latin expression carne vale , which means ‘ farewell to meat ’.
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What is the importance of carnival ? For many , especially peoples of African Caribbean descent , carnival is an important way to express rich cultural heritage , to reflection on history and to celebrate survival and progression .
Where do costumes ideas come from ? Ideas for costumes often come from mythical , cultural and historical figures and events . Often a theme is carried through in clothing , props and the colours used . Sometimes a troupe ’ s costume can be humorous or have deeper connotations perhaps referring to ‘ jumbies ’: mythological spirits or demons in the folklore of some Caribbean countries . Chains are worn to symbolise captivity and dancers cast off the ‘ chains of authority ’ and free to enjoy themselves as they please .
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Why are masks worn ? Masks in carnivals are sometimes based on 17 th and 18 th century masks and often used to disguise the wearer ’ s appearance or to refer to African cultures . Feathers represent the human ability to overcome tragedy and strength to continue in the face of adversity .