Way before Tinder, there was the Mummers Parade. Later they extended their period of celebration to include New Year’s Day, and welcomed the New Year with masquerades and parades of noisy revelers. Whether you’re waiting for the parade to start or trying to find out more about the history of the unusual celebration, here are a few strange scenes from long-ago parades. The 120-year-old Mummers Parade has only been cancelled twice (1919 and 1934). Groups would travel from house to house, sing songs, and perform dances — all to be rewarded with food and drink. For more than a century, Philadelphia has celebrated New Year’s Day with the Mummers Parade, a regional tradition that brings thousands into the streets to … Mummers Parade judges gather for calm lunch before stormy parade We dug through the Inquirer archives to find bits of odd news from the parade’s earliest days. It is also from this community where the clubs derive the funds used for the costumes and operations of their clubhouses. Yesterday. The throng howled with glee, growled in anger, and then forgot it in renewed interest in the passing show.”, » READ MORE: Mummers Parade 2019: Your ultimate guide. One unnamed woman wasn’t having it when police were clearing a path for anyone who needed medical attention quickly. Ron Todt, Associated Press. History 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. Before there were cellphones, GPS tracking, and kid leashes, you were lucky if your lost kids ended up at City Hall. And that’s all he would say and the band would have to go back to the drawing board.”. Browse more videos. Some of the earliest mummers date back to early Egypt, pagan Rome and Greece, England, Germany, and France. One of the first String Band clubs was Trilby, who first paraded in 1902 and is still in existence today. A 116 year old tradition in the City of Brotherly Love. Quick story: once when leaving a wedding at a hotel, everyone kinda sad the party was over, we waited for an elevator. A . Their story didn’t end there. Philly opens first new vaccination clinic; N.J. relaxes restaurant, bar restrictions, California residents do not sell my data request. Read our extended history here! During the 1923 parade — which was postponed a couple of days because of rain — 33 kids slipped from the grasp of “distracted parents and relatives,” the Inquirer reported. 3:56. Comic division clubs lampoon modern day local and national political … | Stu Bykofsky. Dessie Daryn. From its first New Years Day Mummers Parade in 1923, the band's history of prize-winning mirrors such perennial greats as the New York Yankees and the Dallas Cowboys. “The crowd of weeping youngsters finally became so great that they were taken to the House of Detention at Twenty-second and Arch Streets, where all persons were directed when they sought lost children.”, » READ MORE: Less ‘diversity’ in 2019 Mummers Parade, but whose fault is that? Though some parts of the big day are still kept close to the heart until the parade, Montanaro said some of the secrecy has faded because of social media. I’m happy to be back with you. Commitment to the community has always been one of the basic principles of Mummers clubs, especially String Band clubs. Margerum later withdrew the charge — advice that came from her father, a policeman. The first two attempts to do so were in 1919 due to World War I and in 1934 due to the Depression. Dem Golden Slippers” is the traditional anthem of the Mummers. No longer do Mummers confide their themes to a Catholic priest to ensure they stay secret until the big day — an “old practice,” Montanaro said. Comic division clubs lampoon modern day local and national political and social themes. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported recently that two previous attempts in the 119-year history of the parade to call it off — in 1919 due to World War I and in 1934 due to the Great Depression — hadn’t gone well. It would give big increases to some wealthier suburban districts, too. How the Mummers Got Here – Quaker City. Follow. Wolf’s school funding plan would help Philly. Philadelphia Mummers of Today. It is derived from … Ah, right — the old “using the Mummers Parade as an excuse to run off and get married” bit. Classic. “The girl was so shocked by her narrow escape from probable death that she fainted, and her rescuer took her to the Hahnemann Hospital.”. Written by James Bland, an African American, which was introduced into the parade in … Whether you’re waiting for the parade to start or trying to find out more about the history of the unusual celebration, here are a few strange scenes from long-ago parades. “Well, rumor has it in the early days of the parade that clubs would try to put ladders on clubhouses and climb the ladders to take a peek to see what their competition was doing,” he said. South Philadelphia String Band Mummers 2013. The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is believed to be one of the oldest folk festivals in America, and a tradition that has been going on since the time of ancient . Footage of the 2019 Philadelphia Mummers Parade, held on Jan. 1, 2019, on Broad Street in Philadelphia. So it’s certainly accumulated its fair share of history. Every year, each String Band selects an annual theme, and debuts their new music and costumes in the Philadelphia New Year’s Day parade. Mummers 10.0: A History & Evolution of Mummering in Newfoundland. I still think Anna is a bit too young, but I am sure they will be happy, and that’s all that counts.”, In 1903, a man was charged with cutting off a “quantity” of Elsie Margerum’s hair as she watched the parade along Girard Avenue — and she was absolutely “grief-stricken over the loss of her golden tresses,” the Inquirer reported in a 1903 article headlined, “Locks were cut among big crowd.”. Written by James Bland, an African American, which was introduced into the parade in 1905 by minstrel Charles Dumont. “It’s a shame because there were probably some really good insider stories.”, © 2021 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC Terms of Use/Privacy Policy/California Notice California residents do not sell my data request. [3] Margerum was with two friends when she felt a tug and found that “one her thickest curls had disappeared.” A nearby man, John Laudenberg, was apparently acting strangely. “Because it’s secretive until New Year’s Day, but that has gone by the wayside.”. History[edit]. “For instance, the string bands used to give a Catholic priest their themes, and if a band ... said, ‘Father, we want to do clowns,’ the priest would look at his list and if somebody was doing clowns, he would say no. Playing next. “Policeman Gallen, who was on duty at that point, saw the young woman’s peril and rushed into the street, clasped her in his arms, and carried her to a place of safety,” the Inquirer reported. For example, the Swedes were Philadelphia’s first settlers. To define them simply, Mummers are costumed entertainers welcoming in the New Year. Those who “shot in” the New Year became New Year’s Shooters, and thus the name much later evolved to officially become the New Year’s Shooters and Mummers Association. Every nation had its festivals at one time or another, each marked by parades and displays of fanciful costumes. US: Mummers Strut Despite Philly Parade Cancellation Mayor Jim Kenney announced in July that the city would not grant permits to planned outdoor events with more than 50 people, effectively canceling the large annual parade and other events as officials struggled to keep a lid on the spread of the virus. Most people carried firearms for protection in those early days of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it did not take long before pistols and muskets joined with bells and noisemakers to create the sound of a New Year. Updated 9:34 am EST, Saturday, January 2, 2021 Costumed participants take to … It is to this community the String Bands return the gratitude expressed by making each New Year’s Day theme performance more exciting than the last. Historically, Mummery has influenced customs and perpetuated many interesting traditions. The Philadelphia Mummers Parade. “These are tales that the old-timers used to tell, but some of those stories are long gone because the individuals have passed,” Montanaro said. Traditionally, band members, wives and friends made the costumes. 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. I enjoyed reading the history of mummers and had only thought of them in those wonderful parades. Revivals of this tradition are still celebrated annually in South Gloucestershire, England on Boxing Day along with other locations in England and in parts of Ireland on St. Stephen's Day and also in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador around Christmas. In Philadelphia, the cost of costuming an average 64-piece band is between $30,000 and $80,000, with the captain’s costume costing as high as $10,000. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported recently that two previous attempts in the 119-year history of the parade to call it off — in 1919 due to World War I and in 1934 due to the Great Depression — didn't gone well. There are eighteen String Band organizations in existence today. It’s not clear how they met their future husbands. Mummers History. The Philadelphia Mummers of today total over 10,000 marchers. The Mummers Parade, believed to be the nation’s oldest folk festival, stems from a mixture of immigrant traditions, some dating back of the 1640s, dubbed “mummer” probably from the German word for “mask.” It mixes the immigrant traditions of the Scandinavians who welcomed the new year with gunfire, the English and Welsh who entertained with masquerade plays, and the Germans credited with … This internationally known string band and marching unit has appeared in every parade since its inception, recording an unprecedented 20 first place finishes. The Mummers Parade, believed to be the nation’s oldest folk festival, stems from a mixture of immigrant traditions, some dating back of the 1640s, dubbed “mummer” probably from the German word for “mask.” The residents of … Brilliant materials, glitter, sequins and feathers are all combined to make the showy costumes. Report. “I couldn’t do anything but just kiss and forgave them,” their mother, Mrs. Jones, told the Inquirer in 1924. Mummery in America is as unique to Philadelphia as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans. He got away, but apparently not far. But instead, they tied the knot with two boys, ages 20 and 18, admitting they “had to do a bit of fibbing” about their ages. After finding out that they lived near each other, Gallen visited Doran to see how she was doing. This Magic Gardens Mummers suit may be the most Philly thing ever, Mummers Parade judges gather for calm lunch before stormy parade, Comcast boosts internet speeds for its cheapest plan to aid homebound students, A very Philly ‘marriage selfie mural’ is going up at the Wedding License Bureau in City Hall, St. Joe’s Prep alum pledges $5 million, the school’s largest gift ever, to transform the campus and aid needy students, First city-run mass vaccine site opens after Philly Fighting COVID debacle; N.J. restaurants can increase capacity; tracking Pa. vaccinations by county. The parade is still held on New Year’s Day, with four distinct divisions: Comic, Fancy, Fancy Brigade, Wench Briagde and String Band. It is from the entire Delaware Valley community where musicians and helpers (called Marshals) are recruited and trained. The Mummers Woodland String Band in 1937. Mummers Museum History. Some of the earliest mummers date back to early Egypt, pagan Rome and Greece, England, Germany, and France. Dem Golden Slippers" is the traditional anthem of the Mummers. These marchers take steps to avoid injury. » READ MORE: The Mummers Parade is a heavy lift. Doran was crossing the street when horses pulling a float became afraid and ran toward her. Though they were not detailed in newspaper archives, Montanaro shared some stories that have been passed down through generations. Parade rules do not permit the use of brass instruments in a String Band; the instrumentation is exclusively saxophones, banjos, accordions, violins, bass violins, and percussion instruments. The first cancellation happened in 1919 as a result of the aftermath of World War I and the second cancellation occurred in 1934 due to the effects of the Great Depression and a lack of prize money. That’s when things got dramatic. In both cases, Mummers still took to the streets to celebrate. Two pairs of scissors and Mergerum’s hair were allegedly found on him, though he contended he was innocent. Mummering is a traditional Christmas amusement that involves participants—known as mummers—dressing up in wild costumes, donning masks or wearing veils over their faces, and distorting their voices, all in an attempt to avoid being recognized. Police kept themselves occupied "for several hours piloting crying children through the crowds to the police matron's headquarters on the eighth floor of City Hall.". “They looked so happy when they broke the news to me. The marching leader of the band or Captain makes their elaborate debut doing the “2 Street Strut”. Some Mummers strut despite Philadelphia parade cancellation . However, the word Mummer can be traced back to ancient Greece. The first thing you notice is that all the faces in the crowd are obscured as they shamble on by in the … The Mummers in Philadelphia dates back to the mid 1800’s, with several different stories circulating. During the 1850s and ‘60s, mummering became associated with violence, often along religious lines. Gallen “probably saved” Doran from being trampled by a horse as she crossed the parade route at Broad and Race Streets, the Inquirer reported in February 1911. in the 2008 parade presenting their theme "Our Hearts are Wild for Diamonds". The judges for the Mummers Parade met up on Monday to grab lunch and some last-minute tips from city leaders. It came to a head in 1860 when Isaac Mercer was murdered, which led to a ban on mummering. The parade is still held on New Year’s Day, with four distinct divisions: Comic, Fancy, Fancy Brigade, Wench Briagde and String Band. In both cases, Mummers still took to the streets to celebrate. by Elizabeth Whitten. By the 1870’s, what had been an uncoordinated group of neighborhood celebrations turned into an area-wide parade with two main groups of participants: Fancy Dress and Comic clubs. The door slid open to a packed elevator of mummers in full costume with banjos, etc. The City of Philadelphia finally sponsored and organized the first official Mummers Parade on January 1, 1901. A pair of teen sisters, Anna, 14, and Ruth, 16, of Manayunk, told their parents they were going to “see the Mummers Parade” in a “carefully planned” scheme, the Inquirer reported in 1924. In both of those years, Mummers still took to the streets to celebrate. To celebrate the day, … History of the Mummers Mummers’ celebrations in America date back to colonial times, when the boisterous Swedish custom of celebrating the end of the calendar year with noise making and shouting was combined with the tradition of the British mummery play. The Fancy division clubs wear large, ornate costumes, carrying back pieces and performing with floats and props. The city’s biggest ask in advance of the 119-year-old New Year’s Day party: These Mummers then go from house to house playing music, dancing, telling jokes, performing skits, and generally acting foolish. The parade is related to the Mummers Play tradition from Britain and Ireland. History shows that canceling the parade will not stop Mummers from marching. The City of Philadelphia finally sponsored and organized the first official Mummers Parade on January 1, 1901. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported recently that two previous attempts in the 119-year history of the parade to call it off — in 1919 due to World War I and in 1934 due to the Great Depression — hadn't gone well. It’s stories like these that make you wish you’d been there. The celebration was a bit of a cupid’s arrow for Gertrude Doran and Francis Gallen, a patrolman stationed at 20th and Buttonwood Streets. (Video by Julia Hatmaker/PennLive) When they came to Tinicum, just outside of Philadelphia, they brought their custom of visiting friends on “Second Day Christmas”, December 26. But as the years go by, stories like that fade into memory. 6 years ago | 5 views. The Ferko String Band has never missed a parade since they started marching in 1923 and the Hegeman band is one of the oldest String Bands dating back to 1920. 0:13. Today, professional designers and costumers are utilized. A few members of the Holy Rollers N.Y.B. We dug through the Inquirer archives to find bits of odd news from the parade’s earliest days. Goodman and Lassiter noted the racist and offensive history of the Mummers Parade, which included racially derogatory skits and marchers and … Although it is unclear precisely when this tradition was brought to Newfoundland by the English and Irish, the earliest record dates back to 1819. The long-held tradition that persuades Philadelphians to bundle up and watch a parade hours after ringing in the new year, or to put on costumes heavy enough to cause back problems if not careful is going on its 119th celebration. "Mummers are friends 364 days a year," he joked. We could recount the tale, but it’s best to hear it in 1920s newspaper-speak: “But for the most part the crowd was good-natured, grinned and bore it, and had thought only for the marching mummers. The first official parade was held January 1, 1901. Montanaro said competition would get so extreme rivals would kidnap other clubs' captains so they couldn’t march in the parade. People from the “City of Brotherly Love” know the excitement of a Mummers performance, but the Mummers also preserve that sense of nostalgia and tradition. The Philadelphia Mummers Parade is believed to be one of the oldest folk festivals in America, and a tradition that has been going on since the time of ancient Egyptians. Compiled by Steve Coper, Fralinger String Band. Merry Christmas from PHMC! Despite the secrecy, their parents weren’t mad at all. Mummers String Bands are known, not only for the unique sound, but also for their elaborate costumes. Every nation had its festivals at one time or another, each marked by parades and displays of fanciful costumes. First: The Mummers Parade has a long history of controversy, but the latest iteration could be forging ahead with a large gathering in the pandemic. Turns out the Mummers used to be secretive — very, very secretive. The Philadelphia Mummers of today total over 10,000 marchers. An “acquaintance was formed” and they married on Valentine’s Day. The Fancy Brigade division clubs also wear large, ornate costumes, and perform intricate dances and drills with elaborate props. Historically, Mummery has influenced customs and perpetuated many interesting traditions. The tradition of Philadelphia Mummery started in the late 17th century as a continuation of the Old World customs of ushering in the New Year. The String Band division clubs not only wear elaborate costumes like the Fancy and Fancy Brigade divisions, but also drill and perform playing musical instruments. That was well, for some of the police were not quite so good-natured, and one doughty traffic cop who roughed a woman with a child in her arms has his face soundly smacked. Mummers Museum History. Mummers Parade Wikipedia 2020. 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