Why did ancient people wear masks on holidays?

The culture of the ancient people was paganism. They believed that the gods own the world and provoke natural events. Primitive people paid tribute to the idols of the gods, tried to appease them. Invented by people, pagan holidays were gaining momentum. On one of these holidays, people put on animal skins and masks. This was done as a ritual side of paganism. Thus, they paid tribute to the revered inhabitants of the forest. Masks symbolized certain gods and animals. This was done in order to show respect for the gods.