Mummering: A Beloved Christmas Tradition in Newfoundland
- Trena Byrne
- Dec 10, 2024
- 3 min read
The Origins of a Unique Festive Custom
When the winter winds sweep across the rocky shores of Newfoundland and the snow blankets the landscape, a unique and vibrant tradition comes to life - mummering (or janneying). This cherished custom, deeply rooted in the province's cultural heritage, transforms the long, dark winter nights into a celebration of community, creativity, and pure joy.
Originating from English and Irish settler traditions, mummering dates back to the 19th century when people would dress in elaborate disguises and visit neighbours' homes during the Christmas season. The practice involves participants donning outrageous costumes that completely obscure their identities—think oversized clothing, masks, bizarre makeup, and wildly creative disguises that turn friends and neighbours into unrecognizable characters.
A Living Tradition of Community and Celebration
The true magic of mummering happens when these costumed visitors arrive at a home. They'll knock on the door, enter, and challenge the household to guess their identities. Homeowners are expected to offer food, drink, and hospitality, creating a festive game of recognition and community bonding. If the hosts can't identify the mummers, the costumed visitors might perform a dance, sing a song, or engage in playful antics. It's a celebration that turns the cold winter nights into moments of laughter and connection.
As Newfoundlanders are great storytellers and songwriters, there have even been a song or two about the shenanigans that mummers can get up to. See if you recognize this old song (and video) called THE MUMMER'S SONG by Simani, from "Land and Sea" (CBC, 1986)
Today, mummering has evolved but remains a cherished tradition. Many communities now host mummering parades where families dress-up together, children join in the fun, and entire towns come alive with creativity and spirit. Parents carefully craft costumes with their children, teaching them about this unique cultural practice that has been passed down through generations.
The tradition typically runs from Christmas Eve to New Year's Day, with some communities extending the celebrations even longer. It's more than just a custom—it's a living piece of Newfoundland's cultural identity, a way of bringing people together during the coldest, darkest time of year.
While modernization has changed some aspects of mummering, its heart remains the same: a celebration of community, creativity, and the spirit of sharing. It's a tradition that reminds us of the power of imagination, hospitality, and human connection.
Need more information about MUMMERING?
Check out MUN's post on Intangible Cultural History:
"In 1984, Margaret Roberston wrote a thesis called The Newfoundland Mummers’ Christmas House-Visit 2, based primarily on the responses to the questionnaire. What she came up with was an extensive summary of the research covering many aspects of the tradition such as mummers’ costumes, mummers’ behaviour, and the types of mummering groups. The following provides brief descriptions of some different elements of mummering based primarily on Robertson’s thesis and anecdotal evidence from present-day mummers.
Mummers have often portrayed themselves as strangers. When hosts ask their mummer guests where they’re from, they might respond with far-fetched locations. Robertson’s thesis lists some of the places mummers have claimed they came from: the North Pole, Liar’s Arm, Tar Bay, the moon, Hong Kong, across the ocean, Limbo, Moncton, Italy, or from the mustard factory (63). Some janneys would say they had been shipwrecked. Robertson writes, “mummers from Conche said they came either from the North Pole or Roddickton, the next community. As Conche was snowbound in the winter, Roddickton was just as improbable as the North Pole” (63).
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