THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Philadelphia Mummers are by no means common knowledge once you venture outside the area. It is, after all, a peculiar custom: a bunch of contractors dressing up in feathers and sequins so that they can strut and play banjoes on Broad Street in freezing temperatures, as they compete against one another for bragging rights in this very Philly New Year’s Day tradition.
What appears to be even less known to Philadelphians is the tradition of Old World mumming, in which amateur performers careen from door to door at Christmas or Midsummer, enacting traditional plays. These mummer’s plays feature fantastic characters such as St. George and the Dragon, Robin Hood, the Turkish Knight and Beelzebub. Typically, at the end of the play, a “doctor” brings a slain character back to life. The actors wear outlandish, often unsettling costumes and masks.
The custom of mumming in Britain dates back to at least the 16th century, though the wider practice appears to be of ancient origin. It was the Swedes who brought it to Philadelphia in the 17th century. Participants aren’t supposed to fire guns in the air anymore, but it still happens. It’s best to stay away from open windows on New Year’s Eve.
Lots of fun stuff about the Philadelphia Mummers here:
If you crave a dose of Old World mumming, watch “The Wicker Man” (the real one, with Christopher Lee).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21gb49H-Uo4
A demonstration of the Mummer’s strut:
There is actually a fine documentary on the Philadelphia Mummers, titled “Strut!”
Too bad it appears to be out of print.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
PHOTO: Tomorrow, these guys will be overcharging you to fix your toilet
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