2023
Mummering

Mummery has a rich, centuries-old history rooted in ancient folk traditions, community performance, and seasonal celebrations. Here is a concise overview of how the tradition evolved from pagan European rituals into the modern spectacles seen today.



Mummers in the town square,
Philadelphia,
1901.
I
Ancient and Medieval RootsPagan Beginnings: The word "mummer¹" likely stems from the Middle High German mücken (to mumble or mask) or the Greek momos (mockery/satire). Early forms date back to ancient Roman celebrations like the Saturnalia and Kalends, where people wore animal skins and disguises to invert social norms.
               Medieval English Tradition: By the Middle Ages, mumming became a staple of winter solstice and Christmas festivities across the British Isles. Traveling groups of disguised or masked performers would visit local manor houses or village greens to perform uninvited, offering entertainment in exchange for food, drink, or money.

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Traditional Elements of Mumming Plays
The Plot: English and Irish mumming plays were largely folk dramas passed down orally. They typically featured a standard conflict involving a hero (such as St. George), a villain (often the Turkish Knight or a generic foe), and a quack doctor who possessed a magical potion capable of resurrecting the fallen combatant.
               The Father Christmas Figure: Plays were frequently introduced or hosted by a character representing Father Christmas or Old Winter, symbolizing endurance and seasonal renewal.
Mummer in the town square
Philadelphia,
1901.
I
Evolution and Migration to AmericaDecline in Europe: Following the Reformation and the rise of Puritanism, mumming faced heavy suppression or moral criticism for encouraging rowdiness, drinking, and public disorder, though regional variants survived in pockets of the UK and Ireland.
               The Philadelphia Tradition: Irish and English immigrants brought mumming customs to North America, most notably to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By the early 19th century, disparate neighborhood groups of working-class revellers—often shooting off guns, playing instruments, and wearing elaborate homemade costumes on New Year's Day—merged into organized community displays.


My days are one long masquerade,
I wear a disguise of motley hue—
And sometimes I am half afraid
I shall forget the soul I knew,
And lose it midst this varied crew
Of puppets grave and puppets gay,
And yet I am no worse than you—
We’re mummers all and life’s a play.

Upon my face the paint is laid,
As though a mask hid me from view,
And artifice is called to aid
What time I need disguises new.
If laughter be my sorry cue,
I still must laugh along my way;
Small matter if my heart wears rue—
We’re mummers all and life’s a play.Pierrot his penalty has paid,
For all his tears and smiles are his due.
And Harlequin’s gay colors fade—
What matter? Here are jesters new
To mimic life and prove it true
That each man’s soul must some time say:
Applaud, good friends, our motley crew—
We’re mummers all and life’s a play.

L’ENVOI
Friend, I am sick of masquerade.
Of all my roles, both brave and gay,
The curtain falls, the bright light fade—
We’re mummers all, and life’s a play.

The Mummer’s Carol,
Traditional

Mummering is also the four songs from Marianas’ Summering EP remixed and reimagined. Recorded in late Winter / early Spring 2023 under the pseudonym John Cope. Sold separately or bundled as a bonus EP with the Summering 12" release.




Fundamental belief

My experience is a reasonable reference.

1. Mummering    I make correct assessments of the world.

2. Good God! Damn!
    I am good.

3. Au Bord de Ciel (John Cope’s Malicious Compliance Mix)    My group is a reasonable reference.

4. We Were Saved, Now We’re Starry    My group (members) is (are) good.






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