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Mummering

 

            
             Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated by many people around the world. A great deal of tradition accompanies this celebration in Canada while bringing family and and loved ones together. In the province of Newfoundland lives a Christmas ritual far different from conventional Canadian traditions such as gift giving, or Christmas caroling, and its titled mummering. To participate in the historic act of mummering you must dress up, go door to door, and attempt to keep your identity a secret. If you"re successful at remaining anonymous, you will be rewarded by the host and you will all celebrate afterward.
             Mummering receives its roots from an ancient tradition that started in 6th Century Rome. Entertaining was forbidden by the church so entertainers had become wanderers. These wanders (mummers) went door to door to entertain in the hopes of receiving a donation. This tradition trickled into England and Ireland, and thus was carried to Newfoundland by those who settled in the province. Each Christmas in Newfoundland you can expect a few folks dressed up as mummers knocking on your door.
             Dressing appropriately for the act of mummering is not difficult. You can assemble an outfit from articles of clothing you no longer wear. Traditionally Newfoundlanders stuff their clothing with pillows, men will dress like women and women like men, and cover their faces with cloth's or pillow cases. After you get dressed in mummer attire, it is time to test your disguise.
             Mummering is performed on foot going door to door. Since this tradition entitles the host of the home to guess your identity, you have to attend only homes of which you know the owner. When approaching a home each member of the mummering group should make sure their costume is not revealing clues as to whom they might be. When knocking on the door, the group should be ready to collectively say "are there any mummers aloud in?" This line is protocol in the act of mummering and disguising your voice is detrimental to your success.


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