2 3 Superstitious Saturday Harlequin | Ballet Webb

Saturday, January 26, 2019

Superstitious Saturday Harlequin



Superstitious Saturday Harlequin

The character Harlequin, sometimes seen as a doll in the first act of Nutcracker has an interesting history.

“Harlequinade, play or scene, usually in pantomime, in which Harlequin, a male character, has the principal role. Derived from the Italian commedia dell’arte, harlequinades came into vogue in early 18th-century England…”

The superstition of Harlequin’s costume is even more fascinating. His brightly colored costume of diamond-shapes played an important role. Yellow symbolized jealousy, red was for anger, blue was for faithfulness and black was for the power of invisibility. As Harlequin performed, he would point to a particular color, thus letting the audience know his mood - or if invisibility might occur.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets
Superstition #134:
“ The colors of Harlequin’s costume are significant.”

Link of the Day:

Quote of the Day:
Harlequin, probably derived from the old French Hellequin: a troop of the devil’s horsemen.”
― Bernard Cornwell, The Archer's Tale

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