Mask
Japanese Name:
マスク
Romaji Name:
masuku
Description
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A mask is a covering worn over the nose and mouth to protect against dust, germs, or pollution. Masks are commonly used to prevent the spread of illnesses and to filter the air you breathe.
History
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Masks have existed for thousands of years, used in rituals, performances, funerals, and spiritual ceremonies.
Ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, Japanese (e.g., Noh masks), and Native Americans used masks symbolically and artistically.
The use of masks for medical protection began in the 17th century, when plague doctors wore beaked masks filled with herbs to "filter" air.
In the late 19th century, surgeons began using cloth masks during operations, especially after the germ theory of disease became accepted.
Surgical masks became common in the early 20th century, especially after the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic, when masks were widely worn by the public.
N95 respirators and disposable surgical masks were developed in the late 20th century for better protection against airborne particles.
Face masks became globally essential during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New types of cloth masks, fashion masks, and high-filtration masks (like KF94, KN95) gained popularity.