Importance of Feathers in Carnivals

Carnivals put on show a different definition of enjoyment, celebration and unity. They play a distinguished yet significant role in elaborating the cultural significance of a particular country. Besides displaying the ethnicity of a particular society or a nation, carnivals are also a colorful and remarkable way to bring people together at one platform. Carnivals also provide a different yet delightful identity to a nation. 

Different types of carnivals are celebrated in different parts of the world, portraying unity, beauty colorfulness and high level of enthusiasm. Some of the world-renowned carnivals are

·         Rio de Janeiro

·         Mardi Gras

·         Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

·         Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

·         Venice Carnival

·         Notting Hill Carnival

·         Binche Carnival

·         Jamaica Carnival

·         Leeds West Indian Carnival

·         Nottingham Carnival

·         St. Vincent’s Carnival

Things that are common in all these carnivals are music, dance, togetherness and street parade in colorful feather costumes. Bird quills play an important role in the high-spirited carnival celebration. The most prominent use of quills in carnivals is in the form of costumes. Different styles and colors of costumes are made using quills, according to the tradition and cultural importance of a nation. These feather costumes give adorable and striking look to the street parades and other events of the carnival festivity.

From the above stated carnivals, some are famous for their beautiful and elaborated costumes. Rio de Janeiro and Venice carnivals are best examples of this. The biggest carnival of the world, Rio Carnival, is celebrated with music, dance and street parade, carried out in elaborated and lavish costumes, made with quills. On the other hand, Venice Carnival is popular for its beautiful and sophisticated masks, made with plumes. The significance of the mask in carnival celebration can be well understood from the fact that mask-making has been given special attention in Venice. These masks are made with varieties of materials, and are decorated with quills and gems. Also, they are made to represent a symbolic meaning and practical function.

A wide range of quills are used to make carnival costumes. Ostrich, turkey, peacock and pheasant quills are the popular ones, used for this purpose. Varieties of pheasant feathers are also used in the carnival festivity. These varieties include Golden Pheasant, Ringneck Pheasant, Reeves Pheasant and Lady Amherst Pheasant Feathers. All these quills are used in various attractive colors to make masks, wings and headpieces, as associated items of the costume. Apart from costumes, feathers are also used to decorate streets, stalls, tableau and other showcasing items.

So, heighten-up your carnival celebration by making costumes and decorating other items with quills.

Author info:

John Brow is a freelance writer. His articles on topic like pheasant feathers guide are published on various online platforms.