三花

Ever wondered why a 三花 is called a 三花 and not 二花？

In my latest research (done while I was looking for info for my slides), a 三花 is actually categorised under face painting, 花脸. 花脸 as we know is under the 净's 行当. Therefore I have never associated 三花 with the 花脸净. 三花 is under the 丑's 行当.

It is common knowledge that 正净 are also called 大花脸 and 正净 are the main role in a performance. For example like 包公. Then there is the 副净 which are the second line roles under 净. They are normal not the main leads but they also play an important part in the performance.

Under 副净, there is a category called the 二花脸 who takes on small roles. Normally a side kick or something, a small part in the show. And the 二花脸 are most of the time half serious, half comical. They do comical things but not as much as the clowns.

Therfore, we have 三花脸 which major fully in comical roles. The name then slowly evolved into what we know now as 三花. So now you know how to answer ppl if anyone ask you why a 三花 is called a 三花.

:)

Opera knowledge for the day!