There is evidence of the use of masks in Greek theater dating back to the fifth century B.C. In Greek theater, actors always wore masks. Their use enabled actors to play multiple roles, including female roles. The masks exaggerated the primary emotions of the character, making it easier for the audience to "see" the character from a great distance.
Comedy and tragedy were the two primary types of theater in ancient Greece. There were often traveling theater festivals that visited Greek towns. It seems that theater grew out of festivals honoring Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. The Greeks believed Dionysus exhibited a duality of emotions, either laughing revelry or deep sorrow, which they observed in people who were drunk.
The masks of ancient Greece were made of lightweight materials, primarily wood, but also clay, cork and leather. The masks covered the entire face of the actor and had a small opening for the mouth. Some masks were made with hair. Others allowed the actor to don a wig.
The Greeks actually preferred Comedy and its ability to poke fun at the human condition. Tragedy allowed people to experience darker emotions in a relatively safe context. It is interesting to note that Shakespeare wrote both comedies and tragedies.
While the use of masks in theater begins in Greece, other cultures used masks in ceremonies. The Romans imported the use of masks into their theater, as they imported many other ideals from Greece. The traditions of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead involve wearing masks, while Native American tribes like the Cherokee also wore masks in their ceremonies marking winter. Mardi Gras, which is popular in New Orleans, is marked by people wearing masks and enjoying a last gasp of fun before Lent.