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Masked Figures: A Thief in The Night or a Secret Fantasy?

Whether it is the highwayman stealing the maiden from her carriage, being f*cked by Ghostface, or having a liaison with the sultry woman at a masquerade, masks hold an undeniable allure that many cannot get enough of. Today, we swoon over the phantom of the opera on stage and get turned on by masked camgirls. Characters from the Lone Ranger to Zorro to Darth Vader to Jason Voorhees have captivated generations and led to more than a few steamy fan fictions and fantasies. So, why are masked figures so irresistibly sexy?

History of “Masks”

Masks have a complex cultural history and have played a role in entertainment and tradition worldwide for thousands of years. In many cases, they held no sensual element or meaning. But, in others, they are a means of debut or fertility rituals. In the traditions of the Pende people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a young person (primarily a boy) wears a mask when introduced as an adult to their tribe.

In Ancient Greece, masks were associated with the god of love and sex, Eros. This is due to the initial concealment of his identity with his lover, Psyche, even though a physical mask was not used. Ancient Greeks also used masks to worship Dionysus, who was the god of fecundity. Dionysus was related to “Bacchanalia” which often involved women having orgies and giving in to foreign ecstasies like violence and intoxication. However, the modern understanding of this Bacchic frenzies formed in the Renaissance, based on accounts of an Ancient Roman cult.

Masquerade balls also became popular in Europe with masks that only covered the eyes becoming popular and providing some limited anonymity to dance partners and lovers. These masks did sometimes take on a more amorous connotation because they were based largely on lascivious theatre characters. Masquerade balls also allowed people to explore their gender expression and sexuality more safely and acceptably.

Mardi Gras—North America’s largest masked festival—combines European and African masking traditions to create a final theatrical and indulgent festival before Lent begins.

Superheroes vs. Villains

A modern-day example of our obsession with masked figures comes in the form of superheroes and villains. Superhero movies often gross over one billion dollars per year in the United States and Canada. Superheroes take on a mythic-like quality that often reflects the current society and morals—offering escapism rooted in reality and providing an optimistic outcome (most of the time). Heroes are usually exceptionally physically fit and have love interests woven into their stories. Their disguises frequently play into this—allowing superheroes like Superman and Spiderman to project more confidence and sexual prowess than when out of their superhero persona. This is easily projected onto the real-life desires and romances of the typical person.

Even more sexy and alluring than superheroes? Supervillains. This is not a coincidence. While writers of comics and movies may want to make the villain somewhat sexy or charismatic, a bad man with a mask is nearly always more erotically intriguing. Modern-day villains often have some level of sympathy built into their character: a tragic backstory, intelligence, or unfair persecution. It doesn’t fully redeem them, but it complicates their character and prevents them from being viewed as wholly evil.

Not to mention, villains are dominant. Maybe they tie up their victim? Perhaps they admit their sexual attraction to a hostage? This triggers the sexy sense of the forbidden that is irresistible and potentially not attainable in real life.

So…Why Is It So Hot?

Masks—a trademark of the good guys and the bad guys—unequivocally get us quivering. Is it the masks, or something else? The masks cannot get all of the credit, but they certainly contribute. The deeper psychology comes down to the anonymity a mask gives someone and the freedom, created power dynamics, and ability to be revealed that comes with it. Below is a deep dive into the psychology behind why masked figures turn us on.

Fear & Arousal

Fear and arousal—while usually experienced in totally separate contexts—are related emotions. This is because they are both reactions to physiological stimuli. They share similar reactions: an increase in heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and the release of adrenaline. Sometimes, the body gets confused, or genital arousal occurs despite a person not feeling turned on emotionally.

Fear can become a kink, essentially. People crave feeling scared because it feels so similar to arousal, or can even cause arousal. Masked figures can bring on a fearful response: Ghostface, a kidnapper, or an unknown figure coming your way in the dark. Along with this fear though, can come an attractive dose of the unknown which makes the figures intriguing, and sometimes sexy.

A more literal way to interpret the allure of masked figures is through roleplaying. Roleplaying is a form of sexual play that involves the partner(s) taking on different roles and acting out a specific scenario. This can be everything from a taboo relationship like teacher and student to something more startling like a kidnapper and their victim. Masks can come in handy for setting the mood and acting out the character.

Anonymous Sex

Harkening back to the masquerade balls of Europe, the magnetism of anonymity is perfect for those who like anonymous sex. Plus, it gives a sense of plausible deniability, you don’t know who you are having sex with so there are no strings attached. Of course, the sex may not be truly or fully anonymous, but it gives each participant the freedom to use their imagination.

In the past, societal expectations and standards made anonymous sex interesting and exciting. You may be able to fuck someone that would otherwise not be available or viable. While a lot has changed, this can still factor into why anonymous sex and masked figures are attractive to people regardless of race, class, or gender.

Confidence

As mentioned with the socially awkward superheroes above, masks can give the wearer more confidence than they may exude in their everyday life. This can make them more attractive, or seem more attractive. For their partner, it can allow them to have the best of both worlds. They get nerdy, sweet Clark Kent and hunky Superman. Even if you know the person behind the mask, the mask can bring out a completely different personality—in both reality and perception.

Wearing a mask can also make a person nervous about sex feel more at ease. If they do not feel fully like themselves, they may be able to let go of some of their insecurities and hesitations.

Deeper Trust

Often in stories of masked figures, they take off their mask and reveal their true identity. Not only can this make them even more sexy by revealing a grain of vulnerability, but it shows a deep trust between the mask-wearer and the person they choose to take it off for.

Sex is already an act that requires a certain amount of trust and vulnerability. Therefore, the taking off of the mask can deepen this experience and the trust between the participants.

Indulge in Masked Seduction This Halloween

Halloween is the perfect time to try out masks in the bedroom. Whether you’re into Slenderman, Hannibal Lecter, or Deadpool, Halloween lets you and your partner take on a temporary identity inside and outside of the bedroom. Plus, the masks do not have to stay on during the entirety of sex (unless you want them to). So, if you or your partner turns out not to be into it, you can take the masks off without totally losing the mood.

Spooky Vibes to Get You in the Mood

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