These short notes discuss the specific names of the disguise and mask rituals of the Greek folk calendar cycle, their probable etymology, and theories elaborated thus far on their origin. In particular, they discuss the dodola/perperuna-ritual, the rite of kalojan/scalojan, both proclaiming the onset of rain, the rituals linked to rosalia (rosaliile, rusalki, neraides), the quête procession on Lazarus day, carnival masks and midwinter disguise rituals such as the rugatsia and kalikantzaroi.
The present article provides an overview of the main ritualistic masks, disguises, and improvised scenic plays in South-Eastern Europe performed during quête-song processions in winter and spring. These may be considered the first steps in the evolution towards organised, more complex folk theatre performances, which usually take place in the festive carnival season. The presentation starts from Greek material and proceeds to comparative approaches of similar phenomena in other Balkan regions as well as Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Rumania, Bulgaria, Albania, Turkey, and Asia Minor.