Mummering (janneying)

[overfifty]

All our Newfoundland colleagues maintain the tradition? Good on you!

[Kragax]

?

[Dan26]

You had me wondering...so I found this article. Neat tradition.


http://mummersfestival.ca/home/?q=node/26

[mlwmerk]

Yea, Like I'm going to allow a bunch of people into my house while they are wearing false identities and then try to guess who they are.  Then offer them food and drink.  Not in today's environment in the US.  That's a great way for some one to "case the joint" for later sneak entry.  Don't like it.  Won't do it.

Walt in CT

[Kragax]

Bust in my back door wearing a  mask, you better hope St. Peter recognizes you. ( I live in the States, in NY)

[newfie]

been there done that really enjoy it.great Newfoundland tradition here a video of it with the mummer song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8OPy7De3bk

[overfifty]

Wow, based on a couple of replies I feel I should be apologizing for a tradition celebrated in the spirit of trust and friendship. Wait one - apologizing is a Canadian thing too...

[newfie]

True

[Kragax]

I didn't mean to offend, I'm glad they can enjoy this. It does sound like a lot of fun. It's just something that might be dangerous where I live. Sad reflection on the times.

[newfie]

yes its a lot of fun, i live in a small outport town in Newfoundland and thats one of thing a lot of people enjoyed doing years a go and few people still do it to this day. most you would go to is your family and friends home and you didnt "Bust in peoples back door wearing a  mask" you walk up there front door and knock on it and ask ANY MUMMERS ALLOWED IN.either they said yes or no.if they didn't you move on to somewhere else.

[Dan26]

Sounds like a nice town. My grandpa lived in a small community in Florida and never locked his house. My dad asked him why and he said, "If my neighbors need a cup of sugar or a tool to borrow they know where to come." And he had a lot of tools.

[Marcellarius]

sounds like a great tradition.

[cdrover(Clyde)]

It is a very old and culturally based tradition. Over the years it has changed dramatically especially in the more urban areas. My father in law on Christmas Eve would prepared a large roast just for that purpose. When and if any mummers did show up they would more than likely been on the go for several hours, he would give them a shot of grog ( rum) a slice of bread and a piece of meat before they went on to their next house. As Todd already said they mostly visit family and the receivers are usually expecting the visit. It is customary that at least one mummer show their face before entering any houses.