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The tradition of Mumming has a very complicated, or a very
simple history depending on the way a person views it. It has evolved from old customs and
traditions, yet it makes its own.
Each play most likely has a history of being a tradition from its
originating village or town. This
often adds to the appeal of the story within the area. |
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There actually seems to be two categories of mumming – plays
and parades. It is generally believed
that the parades evolved from the plays, rather than vice versa. This would have been due to the fact that
the performers began to dress more and more elaborately and really just
wanted to show off their costumes. |
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Mumming has become almost a lost art, but at the same time it
has grown to extremes in places like Philadelphia during the annual New Year’s
Day celebration parade. |
From: http://riverfrontmummers.com/mummers/articles/oldmum.html