Mummers
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Mummers were bands of men and women from the medieval to early modern era who dressed in fantastic clothes and costumes and serenaded people outside their houses, or joined the party inside. Costumes
14th century, England. Performers dressed as a stag, rabbit and boar dance to the music of a gittern. The image is not labeled and these have been interpreted as "mummers" and "minstrels."
Early 12th century A.D., England. Image of demon or bear playing drum, possible mummer.
Revelers, some in mummers' garb, serenading in the Netherlands, playing a bumbass.
1990s, Ireland. "Wren boys" parading on Saint Stephen's Day.
Mummers' play
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Mummers' plays are folk plays performed by troupes of amateur actors, traditionally all male, known as mummers or guisers. The term refers especially to a play in which a number of characters are call
Mummers
…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 miming. Mummering was preceded by the Roman holiday…
St. George slays the dragon in a 2015 Boxing Day production by the St Albans Mummers.
Mummers performing in Exeter, Devon in 1994
The Doctor brings St George back to life in a 2015 production by the St Albans Mummers.
Weston Mummers perform at the Packhorse Inn, Southstoke on Boxing Day, 2007.