Contents
Why do Mummers wear dresses?
It started in the late 17th century as an old tradition of visiting friends in the days after Christmas, extending all the way to New Year’s, and celebrating by dressing up as though it were a masquerade party. And what a party it was.
What is the Canadian word for Mummers?
The earliest record of mummering in Canada is in 1819. It now takes place each year around Christmas. Also known in Newfoundland as jennying or jannying, this folk tradition involves people dressing up in flamboyant clothes, masking their faces and distorting their voices in order to conceal their identities.
What is the tradition of Mummers?
Also known as mumming or janneying, it typically involves a group of friends or family who dress in disguise and visit homes within their community or neighbouring communities during the twelve days of Christmas.
Why was Mummering banned in the 1800s?
During the 1850s and ’60s, mummering became associated with violence, often along religious lines. It came to a head in 1860 when Isaac Mercer was murdered, which led to a ban on mummering. Now mummering is seen as a quintessentially Newfoundland tradition.
Why are they called Mummers?
The Mummers derive their name from the Mummers’ plays performed in Philadelphia in the 18th century as part of a wide variety of working class street celebrations around Christmas. The Mummers continued their traditions of comic verse in exchange for cakes and ale.
Can anyone be a mummer?
You Can! While each Mummers organization may have its own policies and requirements for things like age or musical experience, there are still plenty of opportunities to participate – even if you don’t want to dance, strut, or play an instrument in costume!
What are medieval mummers?
A medieval mummer was a medieval entertainer who was an amateur actor. He performed at different plays in the villages that were held at the harvest time or on some religious occasion such as Christmas.
What does a Mummer say?
“Oh! Dem Golden Slippers” is the traditional anthem of the Mummers. Written by James Bland, an African American, which was introduced into the parade in 1905 by minstrel Charles Dumont. You can expect to hear it by multiple times throughout the parade, as almost every String Band will bust it at at some point.
Who are the Bloody Mummers?
The Brave Companions are a sellsword company of considerably ill repute from Essos. The company comprises criminals and outcasts from many nations. Led by Vargo Hoat of Qohor, the band is often called the Bloody Mummers for their brutality and outlandish appearance, though they find this name insulting.
How much does it cost to be in the Mummers Parade?
What does it all add up to? When you factor in all of these items, as a conservative number to produce a top notch presentation in the Philadelphia Mummer’s Parade, you’re looking at about $100,000 total for a four and-a-half minute show.
Are Mummers Irish?
Mumming is a beautiful, old Irish Christmas time, house visiting tradition involving a group of friends or family who dress in disguise and visit homes of their neighbours and community during the twelve days of Christmas.
What kind of costumes do the Mummers wear?
Mummers String Bands are known, not only for the unique sound, but also for their elaborate costumes. Brilliant materials, glitter, sequins and feathers are all combined to make the showy costumes. Traditionally, band members, wives and friends made the costumes. Today, professional designers and costumers are utilized.
Where did the tradition of the mummer come from?
Mummers have their roots in the past, tracing as far back as ancient Egypt. They’re best documented during the medieval period, where the mummers’ play was a popular pastime for the poor. There’s a wide variety of mummer plays, but they’re characterized by big masks and pantomime traditions.
What kind of music can a mummer play?
Mummers who play music while strutting down Broad St. They’re not permitted to play any brass instruments and only use saxophones, banjos, accordions, violins, percussion instruments (including glockenspiels) and bass violins.
Who are the Mummers in New Year’s Day Parade?
“It’s any man, woman or child involved in the fantasy of song, dance and costume splendor on each January 1st in the annual Philadelphia New Year’s Day parade,” said Martz. The mummers devote an entire year to crafting their costumes, writing their skits and rehearsing their performances.