It’s that time of year again, when the weather begins to cool, the leaves start to change and it is once again acceptable to flavor everything you eat with pumpkin spice. Halloween is right around the corner, and if you are anything like me, you are dreading it.





Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Halloween — candy, pumpkins and costumes, that’s the dream. It is the entertainment that comes with the holiday that I can’t handle. Gore, anticipation and jump scares just aren’t up my alley.

The plague doctor's costume was the clothing worn by a plague doctor to protect him from airborne diseases. The costume, originating in the 17th century, consisted of an ankle length overcoat and a bird-like beak mask often filled with sweet or strong smelling substances (commonly lavender), along with gloves, boots, a brim hat, and an outer over-clothing garment.



The mask had glass openings for the eyes and a curved beak shaped like that of a bird. Straps held the beak in front of the doctor's nose. The mask had two small nose holes and was a type of respirator which contained aromatic items. The beak could hold dried flowers (including roses and carnations), herbs (including mint), spices, camphor, or a vinegar sponge. The purpose of the mask was to keep away bad smells, which were thought to be the principal cause of the disease in the miasma theory of infection, before it was disproved by germ theory. Doctors believed the herbs would counter the "evil" smells of the plague and prevent them from becoming infected.





If you would like to build your own mask this product is for you!



You can glue the mask out of paper for the pattern.

I suggest you ready painted details on paper.

You just have to print, neatly cut and glue. Your mask is ready!

you can paint it as you like, or leave as is



