Momers in colorful dresses will fill the streets of Center City Philadelphia on Jan. 1.
The 2021 Philadelphia Mummers Parade is the longest-running traditional parade in the country, and the perfect way to celebrate a new year.
But what is a Mummer? And how did all this come about?
We spoke with Rusty Martz, chairman of the Mummers Museum board, we read “Oh! By Charles E. Welch Jr. Dem Golden Slippers ”and consulted a good encyclopedia to find out.
What is a Mummer?
“It’s about any man, woman or child involved in the fantasy of song, dance and the splendor of clothing every January 1 at the annual Philadelphia New Year’s Day parade,” Martz said. Momers spend an entire year making their costumes, writing their drawings, rehearsing their performances.
Where does it come from?
Momers have their roots in the past, dating back to ancient Egypt. They are best documented during the medieval era, where the game of momers was a popular pastime for the poor. There are a variety of summer works, but they are characterized by great masks and pantomime traditions.
In Europe, these momers paraded through the streets, entered random houses, and played dice in silence (because that’s not at all creepy).
As time went on, momers began asking those in the area for food or drink after interpreting a (often satirical) drawing or poem.
The Mummers Museum shares this “famous Mummers poem”:
“Here we are at your door,
As we were the year before;
Give us whiskey, give us gin,
Open the door and let us in. “
How did you get to Philadelphia?
The credit, says Martz, goes to Swedish immigrants in Philadelphia in the late 17th century. But it was quickly picked up by other South Philly neighborhoods.
“In Philadelphia, it used to be a neighborhood rivalry party,” Martz said. “Philadelphia is a very neighborhood-oriented city and residents of certain areas gathered around their fire station and had lots of delights before New Year’s Eve.”
By the way, this delights, including a lot of shots (why not?). According to Martz, the mummers also went to people’s houses and made a fuss, playing with blinds and demanding soup or alcohol before leaving.
The parade aspect of the Mummers we recognize today really came together in the 1860s.
When was the city involved?
Turns out the city wasn’t a fan of a bunch of crazy people dressed up hovering around firing guns and asking for alcohol. Thus, they became involved, sanctioning and organizing the first official Philadelphia Mummers Parade parade in 1901. The city thought that, with its participation, it could attenuate the parade.
And it worked.
Test: No more shots during the parade.
So what traces of original Mummery are left?
Apart from the obvious (costumes, music), the Mummers continue to perform drawings, as their European ancestors did in medieval times. The comics brigade carries out this tradition with gusto (and controversy).
Momers still go to people’s houses too for alcohol and / or soup. The only difference is that now they only enter houses that have their doors open and want their visit.
What are Mummer Divisions?
These are basically the clubs that make up the Mummers. They are:
- Comics: These Mummers make various drawings that satirize and mock current events and pop culture. The comics are made up of three large groups, which are divided into smaller clubs. The main groups are Goodtimers, Landi and Murray.
- Wench Brigades: Mummers with colorful dresses, dresses and umbrellas, umbrellas and painted faces. Wench’s brigades this year are American, Bryson, Cara Liom, Froggy Carr, Jhj Saints, O’Malley, Oregon, Pirates and Riverfront.
- Luxury division: Decently dressed momers known for their costumes. Currently, the only club in the Fantasy Division is Golden Sunrise.
- Luxury Brigades: A branch of the Fantasy Division, the brigades not only look amazing, they also perform short schemes on Broadway. This year, the Fancy Brigades include 2nd St. Shooters, Avenues, Clevemore, Downtowners, Golden Crown, Jokers, Purple Magic, Satin Slipper, Saturnalian, Shooting Stars, Spartans and Vikings.
- Rope bands: Mummers playing music as they walk through Broad St. they are not allowed to play any brass instruments and only use saxophones, banjos, accordions, violins, percussion instruments (including glockenspiels) and bass violins. This year’s string bands are Avalon, Aqua, Duffy, Durning, Ferko, Fralinger, Greater Kensington, Greater Overbrook, Hegeman, Jersey, Pennsport, Polish American, Quaker City, South Philadelphia, Uptown and Woodland.
There is a song right?
“Oh! Dem Golden Slippers “is the traditional anthem of the Mummers. Written by James Bland, an African-American, who was introduced to the parade in 1905 by minstrel Charles Dumont. You can expect to hear it several times throughout the parade, as it almost all string bands will remove it at some point.The song is always accompanied by the signature Mummers’ Strut.
Also, you’ll notice that many of the summerers move golden shoes; that’s a look at this song.
Historically, “Oh! Dem Golden Slippers” was a favorite of minstrels and was often depicted with a black face. The Mummers have had a bad history regarding the black face, which was officially banned in 1964, but has been seen several times in subsequent years.
Want to learn more about Mummers?
Head to the Mummer Museum (1100 S. Second St., Philadelphia). There you can learn all about the parade, its history and the culture that surrounds it. It’s also free, though donations are appreciated. The Mummers Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, but open on New Year’s Eve. More information at mummersmuseum.com.
This story is one updated version of a 2017 article. Updated to include the South Philadelphia String Band.