Posted on 01/01/2020 9:23:58 AM PST by Albion Wilde
The famous Philadelphia yearly New Year's celebration — the Mummers Parade. This is the oldest parade in the U.S. It is a European folk tradition that started in the 17th century or before with Swedish and British immigrants colonial Philadelphia.
The most unique parade in the world.
I wonder if any geeks from UPenn have ever studied any correlation between higher number of drunkenness arrests at the Parade with lower temperatures...
For any who don’t speak Philadelphia, the letter “D” is pronounced “dz” and the letter “O” is pronounced “oo.” I just heard one of the sponsors, the Philly Harley Davidson dealer, give a shout-out to all our troops, especially those who are “dzplooyed” (deployed).
It's because it is still largely the creation of individuals with long local traditions. It's like the difference between high school or sandlot baseball and the huge commercialized pro-league games. I love the creativity and great involvement of so many of the townspeople. When I lived in South Philly, there were block parties, bake sales and flea markets in the neighborhoods throughout the year to support the local Mummers' clubs. Also, it's not unheard of for a fully costumed Mummer string band to play at the funeral home or even in the church funeral of a Mummer. Startling, and often brings happiness as well as tears.
Ooooh, whiteface, blueface, yellowface and redface. Hate crimes and cultural appropriation!!!
Looks like they already have.
Mummer: def Webster’s New World Dictionary:
One who who wears masks or disguise for fun in England who act out pantomimes at Christmas. 2nd def ‘any actor.
Mummery; Any show or ceremony regarded as hypocritical
Looks like an Elton John birthday party
Interesting parade...
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