Which European settlers introduced the tradition of 'New Year's shooting' to the Philadelphia region?
Chapter 1

The ancient roots of mummering

Chapter 2

The five divisions of the parade

Chapter 3

Culture, clubhouses, and Two Street

YOUR GOAL

Master of The Mummers Parade

Ch 1 · The ancient roots of mummering
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futura George Washington and the early mummers

Jul 18

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futura Philadelphia Mummers Parade

We wear the ancient masks to chase the winter cold, And strut the city streets in feathers and in gold!

Jul 18

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futura The ancient roots of mummering

Jul 18

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George Washington and the early mummers

futura President George Washington was entertained by early mummers during his time in Philadelphia.

Jul 18

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Swedish settlers and New Year shooting

futura Swedish and Finnish settlers brought the explosive tradition of welcoming the New Year with gunfire to Philadelphia.

Jul 18

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Mummer’s Merry Masquerade
BETA

futura Mummer’s Merry Masquerade

Jul 18

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Fun Fact

Mummering origins: The word 'mummer' likely comes from the German word 'mummer,' which means to wear a mask or disguise.

Jul 18

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Glossary
mummering (noun)
The folk practice of wearing a disguise or mask to perform music and plays during festive seasons. Swedish settlers introduced this festive performance practice to the Philadelphia region during the seventeenth century.

Jul 18

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Gossip

Which old New Year tradition sounds most fun?

Jul 18

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Quiz

What does the word 'mummer' historically mean in its Germanic and French roots?

Jul 18

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futura Swedish settlers and New Year shooting

Jul 18

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Quiz

When was the first official city-sanctioned Mummers Parade held in Philadelphia?

Jul 18

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futura The official parade of 1901

Jul 18

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Quiz

What traditional English folk play, featuring characters like St. George, is a direct ancestor of mummering?

Jul 18

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Quiz

Which European settlers introduced the tradition of 'New Year's shooting' to the Philadelphia region?

Jul 18

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Quiz

Which U.S. President was visited by early mummers performing door-to-door during his residence in Philadelphia?

Jul 18

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Quiz

What did early Philadelphia mummers fire into the air to celebrate the New Year?

Jul 18

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Quiz

Who was the Philadelphia publicist who helped establish the first official, city-sponsored Mummers Parade?

Jul 18

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Quiz

Which ancient Roman winter festival heavily influenced early mummering traditions?

Jul 18