The song was a surprise hit in the United States [ original research? ] As the props grew larger, more cumbersome and more vulnerable to wind, rain and snow, the decision was made to move the Brigades indoors. This is where the term mummers derives from because the Middle English word mum means silent. Eventually, words were added, but the original stories have often been partially lost through translation and retellings of the story. This mixed with the British tradition of their play St. George and the Dragon, which entailed lavish costumes and a bit of tomfoolery, began to build the basic structure of the Mummers Parade that we know today. Pictured here: Mummers Woodland String Band in 1937. Roaming groups of partiers would barge into taverns, requesting free booze and acting rowdy, generally spurning the civil norms dictated by the city's still-nascent police force (officially founded in 1854) and governing elite. We are one hour away from the end of the String Band Association Telethon. The parade traces back to mid-17th-century roots, blending elements from Swedish, Finnish, Irish, English, German, and other European heritages, as well as African heritage. They're best documented during the medieval period, where the mummers' play … There have been only two cancellations of the parade, in 1919 and 1934. These Philadelphia Mummers put on a parade every year with music, comedy, costumes and fun. With former Montco DA Bruce Castor poised to represent Trump, prepare for a rollercoaster ride | Opinion, John Chaney was more than a coach. Thank you to all who have donated so far…. It’s also found in an old English word mommer, which relates to miming, masking and frolicking. The word Mummer can be traced to Greek mythology. There are in fact modern day mummers in Philadelphia. It may look like a lot of chaos happening at once, but the amount of organization that goes into is well overlooked. Authorities underscore this each year during a news conference with a victim of New Year's gunfire, vowing to arrest offenders. By 1901, the Mummers Day Parade has been officially adopted by the city of Philadelphia. The name — taken from the mummers plays that have been a tradition in England since the 13th century — etymologically traces back to the Momus of ancient Greece, a character personifying mockery and satire who appeared in Aesop's Fables. » READ MORE: History shows canceling the New Year’s Day parade will not stop the Mummers from marching The problem is that it keeps happening. They're best documented during the medieval period, where the mummers' play was a … "The Mummers' Dance" is a song written, composed, and performed by Canadian Celtic singer Loreena McKennitt, released as a single from the album The Book of Secrets in 1997. Many of the modern surnames in the dictionary can be traced back to Britain and Ireland. The act of mummering actually comes from Rome, which is an awfully long way from Newfoundland and Labrador. It has become a staple within the Philadelphia tradition and accrues national attention every year. History of the Mummers. "Mum's the word" is an old saying which means keep quiet. The city actually attempted to ban masquerade halls — centers of influence that would eventually inform the style, dress, and practices of Mummers — in 1808, though the interdiction ultimately failed. Wolf’s 2021 budget offers new opportunity to hold cyber charters accountable | Opinion, Philly classrooms are not yet safe enough for a return to school, Biden’s executive order on oil and gas drilling does little to protect health in Pa. | Opinion, California residents do not sell my data request. There have been changes over the years. The most famous mummer-related event in North America is the annual Mummers Parade which is held on New Year's Day in Philadelphia. ", Patrick Glennon is a communications officer at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. So… No clue. The tradition varied, and continues to vary, from community to community. So make sure you check it out every year on New Years Day! Mummers Name Meaning Historically, surnames evolved as a way to sort people into groups - by occupation, place of origin, clan affiliation, patronage, parentage, adoption, and even physical characteristics (like red hair). However, the word Mummer can be traced back to ancient Greece. i love it so much!!! Mummers history While a medieval mummer was quite popular during the medieval times, the concept itself existed in the ancient world as well. The majority of Mummers are blue collar, Christian, white, working class people with little education and experience in diversity. As the residents in the past, tracing as far back as ancient Egypt up. About the real history of the parade 's unofficial anthem, `` Oh, Dem Slippers... 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