The Tradition of Mummers

While it's exact origins have been lost to history, the tradition of mummery has been part of British culture for centuries and has spread to other regions of the world as well, such as Philadelphia and Newfoundland, Canada. If you aren't familiar with this British cultural institution, Mummers are essentially groups of actors who perform short plays either in the streets during festivals or who move door to door thrilling the watchers. There are common themes that seem to course through mummer plays, typically involving the death of a character and resurrection by a doctor's miracle cure as well as the simple pitting of characters who, individually, represent good or evil. Almost universally, as characters enter the play, they provide their own introduction spiel to familiarize themselves with the audience.

Mummers will frequently don costumes when performing though this can be presented in many different ways ranging from vaguely ethnic garb to a fancy dress. They will also frequently wear masks, wigs or elaborate headgear which disguises their face. The performers in costume were historically called "guisers". Occasionally mummers will paint their faces in a dark or red color as well. One historical explanation of this is from the times when the mummers were poor farm workers who performed as a way to make additional money but were embarrassed to be on the street "begging" in this fashion. The costumes and, in particular, any masks or face paint allowed them to not be recognized by those who knew them.

Mummer plays have a long and rich history, particularly surrounding festivals and holidays. Their influence has spread around the world and mummers or mummer-like performers appear in festivals or revelries around the world. In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, each New Years Day about 15,000 mummers take part in the annual New Years parade. They all dress in elaborate and sometimes sexy costumes (weather permitting) and perform in different styles of troupes: Comics, Fancies, String Bands, and Fancy Brigades. These mummers carry on the rich tradition that developed centuries before in medieval Britain, now taking place in a modern society in distant lands.