The tradition and spirit of mummering continues on the Great Northern Peninsula and we invite everyone to come join us for the 3rd Annual Mummer`s Walk to be held on December 28th, starting at 3:00 PM at the Savage Cove Church basement.
I`ve always loved the concept of mummering. Growing up it was referred more often to us as jannying, but the Simini song, “Any Mummer’s Allowed In?” has popularized the term “mummer”. When I was younger, my cousin and I dressed up as jannies. We would dress up all silly carrying a stick to fend off those who tried to unmask us. We would visit friends and neighbours and disguise our voices. They would offer us cake and drink and the guessing game would begin. If they named you correctly you have to reveal your face, if not, your identity were to always remain a mystery.
In 2010 after moving back to Newfoundland & Labrador from working in Western Canada, I had been conversing with another friend who had moved back and she had talked about too how much she loved mummering. She came up with the idea of a mummer’s walk and event that brings the communities together where we live and also encourage an annual mummering night in each community. In 2010, the 1st annual mummer’s parade was held in the administrative centre, Flower’s Cove. We decided to rotate the event in future years.
Last year, we moved the event to the Town of Anchor Point. It even brought some international mummer’s, two of my friends from Switzerland and Germany went mummering for the very first time. That evening we went around and visited friends and neighbours in the community in which I live. We had a band of merry mummers, there must have been a group of 7 or 8.
This year, I look forward to seeing mummer’s of all ages come out to Savage Cove. Tradition is so important to us all. Let’s not lose sight of this important aspect of our culture. I hope there will be lots of people in attendance for the 3rd Annual Mummer’s Parade.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher Mitchelmore, MHA The Straits-White Bay NorthRelated articles
- Mummers parade a growing event (cbc.ca)
- A find crowd of mummers (briscophoto.com)
- The Mummer’s, Granny & MHA join Christmas Parades (christophermitchelmore.com)
Thanks to you awesome people back home on the northern peninsula jannies we called um. But its mummers to the tradition of our lives and the traditional things you do back home fills my heart with joy I pray to god everyone back home haves a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy new year. Thank you Christopher .so proud you gotta a part in all our lives back home on the northern penunsula wish you and yours all the best thank you so much Donna
Hi Donna –
Sorry for the late replay, but thank you for your comments. All the very best to you and your family in 2013 and beyond.
Christopher