Jester

My name is JESTER or JOLLY as a female variant

I am a specific type of clown, mostly associated with the Middle Ages. Starting in Italy, I moved into all of Europe, influencing theater in Spain, Holland, Germany, Austria, England, and especially France.

The origins of my character are said to have been in prehistoric Western tribal society. Pliny the Elder references a royal Jester (planus regius) when recitating Apelles' visit to the palace of the Hellenistic King Ptolemy I. However, we are mainly thought of in connection with the European Middle Ages. I a was symbolic twin of the king. All Jesters and fools in those days were thought of as special cases whom God had touched with a childlike madness—a gift, or maybe even a curse. Mentally handicapped people sometimes found employment by dancing and behaving in an amusing way. In the harsh world of medieval Europe, people who might not be able to survive any other way thus found a social role.

I typically wore brightly colored clothing in a motley pattern. My hat was especially individual; made of cloth, it was floppy with three points, each of which had a jingle bell at the end. The three points of the hat represent the asses' ears and tail worn by me earlier times. Other things distinctive about me were my non stop laughter and my mock staff, known as a bauble or marotte.

My other names: Joker, Fool, Buffoon, Boufon, Narr, Naaror and Juglar.

You will love me as a part of your Halloween, Mardi Gras, Carnival, or Masquerade costume. My outstanding quality, pristine craftsmanship, and handmade features will make me a stylish decoration for your home or office after the party, an awesome topic of conversation.