Origins of Mummery
What is a mummers costume? Mummery is an art form steeped in history, combining costume, performance, and tradition. Here’s a look back at how this whimsical practice began.
Ancient Roots and Medieval Play
Long ago, Mummers were already part of ancient cultures. They appeared in Egypt, but became widely known during the medieval times. People from the poorest classes would dress up in large masks, performing plays known for mime and pageantry. These activities became a staple for entertainment and even superstition, reflecting the creative spirit of communities back then.
Mummers would roam streets, play games in silence, and ask for treats after their acts. This kind of celebration spread across Europe, shaping the Mummers as jesters of sorts, providing insight and reflection through humor.
Introduction in Philadelphia by Swedish Immigrants
The Swedish immigrants first brought Mummery to Philadelphia in the late 1600s. The tradition quickly caught on, especially in South Philly. It transformed into a local festivity that showcased neighborhood pride. Groups would prepare all year, creating vibrant costumes and skits to perform for their community on New Year’s Day. This unique Philly flavor of Mummery would eventually lead to the official Mummers Parade at the turn of the 20th century.
The Development of Mummery in Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s love for mummery blossomed in its neighborhoods, a testament to the city’s communal spirit.
Early Celebrations by Neighborhoods
From its humble beginnings, mummery in Philadelphia was a local affair. Swedish settlers introduced the tradition in the 17th century. By the 1800s, it grew into a lively competition among neighborhoods. Groups, adorned in elaborate costumes, would represent their local area with pride. They spent all year preparing for the New Year’s celebrations. Costumes, skits, and music were all part of the revelry. Neighbors gathered to cheer, forming a bond only such festivals could forge.
Official Sanction by the City in 1901
By the late 19th century, these celebrations caught the city’s attention. The unchecked revelry had its downsides—like random gunfire. To manage this, in 1901, Philadelphia city officials stepped in. They organized the first official Mummers Parade. With an official event in place, it brought order to the chaos. The Mummers Parade became a city-approved tradition, minus the gunfire. Each year since, thousands line up along Broad Street. They enjoy the spectacle of music and colorful costumes marking the start of the New Year.
Components of a Mummer’s Costume
Design and Significance
What is a mummers costume? A Mummer’s costume is a key part of this unique cultural expression. Each outfit reflects countless hours of laborious love and dedication. Mummers immerse themselves in crafting ornate costumes that shimmer with a mix of bold colors, glitter, and feathers. The premise centers on standout visual appeal, designed to leave an unforgettable impression on parade watchers. The costumes aren’t just for show; they also hold deep significance. Every element, from the color selection to the choice of materials, carries a story or represents a tradition. Such attention to detail ensures that Mummers costumes are more than attire; they’re art.
Different Costumes for Each Division
What is a mummers costume? Each group within the Mummers has its distinct costume theme, adding to the overall tapestry of the parade. The Fancy Division brings luxury, with velvet and satin garments adorned with sequins and elaborate accessories. Wench Brigades offer a contrast, with comical, yet detailed dress-and-bloomers suits complemented by colorful umbrellas. String Bands focus on coordination, where each member’s costume aligns with the musical theme. These ensembles, sans brass, rely on visual harmony with instruments like saxophones, banjos, and percussion. On the edgier side, Comics wear outfits designed for satire and humor, making bold statements with each exaggerated feature. Finally, the Fancy Brigades enhance the visual spectacle with Broadway-esque productions. Their costumes are as essential as their skits, blurring the lines between a parade and theater.
The Mummer’s Parade Experience
Experiencing the Mummers Parade is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of local culture. Crowds gather, the air buzzes with excitement, and the streets of Philadelphia transform into a stage of color and music. What is a mummers costume? Each costume is a masterpiece of craft and tradition, telling stories through their spectacular designs.
Key Locations and Performances
The parade starts on Market and 15th streets early New Year’s Day. It rolls down broadways like Broad Street, cheered by thousands. Performances dot this path, showcasing the diverse Mummers divisions. From the Fancy Division’s luxurious garb at 15th and Market, to the String Bands’ harmonious melodies by Broad and Sansom, each division has its spotlight. Finally, at Broad and Carpenter, all Mummers unite for a grand finale, marking the parade’s crescendo.
How to Watch the Parade from Home
Can’t make it to Philly? You can still join in! Tune in from home to watch the lively parade. Local stations like PHL17 will broadcast this festive procession. Some broadcasts offer live streams, bringing the joy of the Mummers to your screen. Watch the splendid costumes and listen to ‘Oh! Dem Golden Slippers’ as they perform the iconic Mummers’ Strut, all from the comfort of your home.
Divisions Within the Mummers
The Mummers are known for their unique divisions, each bringing a distinct flavor to the parade.
Wench Brigades
The Wench Brigades are famous for their colorful costumes and light-hearted antics. Dressed in mix-matched suits with bloomers, carrying umbrellas, they captivate audiences with their charm. Members paint their faces and pull crowds into their joyful performance.
String Bands
Music is at the heart of the String Bands. Outfitted in costumes that merge with their musical themes, they play up a storm without brass instruments. Instead, banjos, saxophones, accordions, and percussion set the beat for the Mummers’ Strut. These bands are true to the parade’s lively spirit.
Fancy Division and Fancy Brigades
For sheer decadence, look no further than the Fancy Division. These Mummers wear luxurious costumes shimmering with sequins and fine fabrics. The Fancy Brigades, an offshoot, add to the parade’s drama with short, theatrical productions that dazzle with their detail and creativity.
Comics
Comics wear exaggerated costumes to poke fun at current events with sharp humor. Their skits often contain biting satire, reflecting on societal issues. This division embodies the original spirit of mummery, engaging onlookers with a mix of comedy and critique.
Traditions and Modernizations
The Mummers Parade ain’t just a walk down Broad Street. It’s years of Philly people keeping tradition alive while spicing it up with the times.
Maintaining Tradition While Evolving
Every year, Mummers work hard to stick to their roots. They sew their own flashy costumes and rehearse dance moves that go way back. But they’re not stuck in the past. They add new tunes and fresh jokes, making sure the parade feels both classic and current. Setting up the strut down Broad Street is like taking a peek back in time, but with a modern twist that keeps crowds coming.
Political and Social Commentaries Through Skits
These Mummers? They’re not scared to get real. Their skits and acts do more than just crack up the crowd. They hit hard on big issues, throwing jabs at politics and society. It’s about making people think while they’re laughing. This blend of humor and truth is what makes the Mummers’ performances stand out, year after year.
The Cultural Impact of Mummery
Mummery isn’t just about dazzling costumes and lively performances. It’s a cultural cornerstone in Philadelphia, embodying the city’s spirit and community pride. From the first Mummers who walked Broad Street in the early 20th century, this tradition has grown into a symbol of Philly’s unique identity. On New Year’s Day, families, friends, and tourists gather to witness this grand showcase of local artistry and wit. It’s more than a parade; it’s a communal celebration that sets the tone for the year ahead.
Symbolic Importance in Philadelphian Culture
In Philadelphia, a Mummers costume is more than festive attire – it represents a rich tradition cherished by the city. The parade, with its Grand Marshals and string bands, mirrors the communal values of Philadelphians. Each costume tells a story, with layers of history and local flavor. As Mummer Jason Kelce proved at the Super Bowl parade, Mummery is woven into the fabric of Philly’s history and pride, reflecting the heart and soul of its people.
Influence Beyond Philadelphia
The influence of Philadelphia’s Mummery extends past its city limits. It’s a unique cultural export that captures the imagination of those who see it. The iconic imagery of the Mummers, like the golden slippers and opulent costumes, has become synonymous with Philadelphia, spreading awareness of the city’s vibrant culture. Mummery also inspires similar celebrations, emphasizing the importance of tradition and community in festivities worldwide. Through media coverage and online streams, the parade reaches a global audience, sharing a piece of Philadelphia’s heart with the world.
