Mummers were bands of men and women from the medieval to early modern era who (during public festivities) dressed in fantastic clothes and costumes and serenaded people outside their houses, or joined the party inside.[ The practice was widespread in Europe, present in England, Ireland and Scotland, with words for it in German and French.][ The practice dates back to the Romans and has survived in some areas (such as Scotland) and is used in the holiday tradition of Mummers' plays. It has also been revived in the modern Mummers Parade.][ The practice may also be related to mime.][
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History
Mumming was preceded by the Roman holiday Saturnalia, in which partiers masqueraded.[ Feasts of Pallas Athena included "visars and painted visages."][ The holiday was a time of "frequent and luxurious feastings amongst friends, presents were mutually sent, and changes of dress made."][
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Some of these habits carried over to Christmas, including exchanging clothes and visiting neighbors "in the manner which Germans call mummery," wassailing, and Saint Stephen's Day celebrations.[ In 1377, citizens of London dressed in mummery to amuse the son of Edward the Black Prince.][ In England, the tradition became associated with obnoxious behavior and led King Henry VIII to declare the wearing of masks to be a misdemeanor.][ In Scotland, mummers are called guisards and traditionally put on a "rude drama" called Galatian.][
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Mumming was labeled part of "the progeny of Father Christmas" by Ben Jonson in his 1616 play Chrismas Masque.[ In the 18th into the 19th century, mummers were mimes, actors, largely specializing in Christmas.][
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Etymology
The word mummers appears in late Middle English. It derived from the Old French word momeur, itself from momer ("to act in a mime").
Mummery ties to the similar Old French word mommerie.
The word is related to mum (silence, mum's the word), mum (to act in a dumb show), mumble (to speak indistinctly, silent utterance) and murmer.[
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