What Is The Origin Of 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.

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 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.

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 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 created Mummering?

An old Christmas custom from England and Ireland, mummering in a version of its modern form can be traced back in Newfoundland into the 19th century. Although it is unclear precisely when this tradition was brought to Newfoundland by the English and Irish, the earliest record dates back to 1819.

What are Mummers in Game of Thrones?

Mummers are actors, entertainers, and performers in Westeros and the Free Cities.

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 are Irish Mummers?

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. … They may poke and prod the mummers or ask them questions.

How does Newfoundland celebrate Christmas?

Every year during the Christmas season, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians go mummering, and dress from head to toe in masks, oversized bras, sheets, lace curtains, lampshades, various articles of clothing, and whatever else can be found in the attic.

What happened to the Mummers?

As most of you know by now, city officials announced in July 2020 that the Philadelphia Mummers Parade would not be held in Philadelphia on New Years Day due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 120-year-old Mummers Parade has only been cancelled twice (1919 and 1934). …

Is Mummering illegal in Newfoundland?

Mummering in Newfoundland is all about reversals—turning the normal world topsy-turvy. Men might dress as women and women as men. … For decades, up until the 1990s, mummering was illegal in Newfoundland. The ban didn’t kill the tradition, though.

What are some Newfoundland traditions?

Some calendar customs are shared by people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Old Christmas Day, Candlemas Day, Pancake Night, Mid-Summer’s Day, Orangemen’s Day, All Soul’s Day and Christmas Day are all known widely and to some extent share their local activities and beliefs throughout the province.

What is Tibbs Eve in Newfoundland?

Christmas Eve, Christmas, Advent. Tibb’s Eve refers to both a folk expression for a day which will never arrive, as well as a celebration held on 23 December originating in Newfoundland and Labrador.

How do I join the Mummers?

Q: How do I become a Mummer? A: By contacting a Mummer organization and finding out their individual member application process. You can find all the organizations contact information on the Contact page.

How much does it cost to be a mummer?

For a 65-person troop, the total cost can be around $100,000, with the most expensive costumes costing around $10,000 a pop. It’s more than a parade. It’s a competition. Mummers don’t just parade down the street, pack up their stuff, and go home.

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.

Where did Tibb’s Eve originate?

The tradition of Tibb’s Eve originates on the South Coast of Newfoundland after World War II. At the time, small outport communities were very religious and observed the Advent period as strictly and soberly as they did Lent – ie, no libations, shall we say.

What food is Newfoundland known for?

Here are the Newfoundland dishes you need to eat NOW:

  • Yellowbelly Salt & Vinegar Fish and Chips. …
  • Chinched Bologna Sandwich. …
  • Mussels on the Corner Jiggs Dinner Mussels. …
  • The Guv’Nor Pub Cod au Gratin Dinner. …
  • Terre Chips and Dip. …
  • Mallard Cottage Cod Cheeks.

When did Thanksgiving start in Newfoundland?

1. How did Canadian Thanksgiving begin? In 1578 when English explorer Martin Frobisher arrived in Newfoundland and wanted to celebrate his safe arrival in his journey from Europe to Asia. It wasn’t until 1879 that it was declared a national holiday, and it wasn’t until 1957 that its October date was set.