Any Mummers ’Lowed In? : Christmas Mummering Traditions in Newfoundland and Labrador

by Dale Jarvis

As the Twelve Days of Christmas roll around each year in Newfoundland and Labrador, you might see oddly padded figures with humps on their backs, shoes on the wrong feet, their auntie’s bra on the outside of their clothes, with faces hidden behind masks or bits of old lace. These characters trudge from door to door or make surprise appearances at parties, seniors’ homes, or workplaces. Once inside, they dance and sing and have a drink or two while people try to guess just who is behind all that clothing. Then, before they roast from the heat of the kitchen, they head back out into the darkness and do it all over again.

These strange creatures are mummers, though they can go by other names: jannies, fools, oonchicks, or darbies. Whatever you call them, and however they are costumed, they are a firm part of the province’s Christmas folklore. But while today’s mummers are often portrayed as friendly and entertaining, they have a past checkered with violence, vandalism, and even murder. By the 1860s, mummering had been made illegal, a ban which stayed in place for well over a century, but which failed to stamp out a beloved, and complicated, Christmas tradition.

Folklorist Dale Jarvis traces the history of the custom in Newfoundland and Labrador and charts the mummer’s path through periods of decline and revival. Using archival records, historic photographs, oral histories, and personal interviews with those who have kept the tradition alive, he tells the story of the jannies themselves. Along the way, he will introduce you to other colourful Yuletide characters, including ugly stick–makers, the wild-eyed, snapping-jawed hobby horse, the St. Stephen’s Day wren boys, the actors of the old mummers plays, and the fearsome nalujuit of Northern Labrador.

Welcome to the colourful world of Christmas in Newfoundland and Labrador, a holiday that is not complete without a little bit of mischief and foolishness!

181 pages, Paperback

First published October 10, 2014

About the author

Dale Gilbert Jarvis is a folklorist, researcher, writer and storyteller living and working in St. John’s. He holds a B.Sc. (honours) in anthropology from Trent University and an MA in folklore from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He is the Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador. By night, Dale is the proprietor of the St. John’s Haunted Hike ghost tour and raconteur of local tales. Author of several books on Newfoundland and Labrador ghost stories and folklore, he is a tireless promoter of local culture.

Reviews

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before my daughter moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, I had not heard of the Christmas tradition of mummers here in North America. I suppose it is not surprising that the custom should remain in Newfoundland, since it is not only the nearest North American point to the United Kingdom, but seems to have been largely settled by former Brits who have kept their traditions alive. Written by a Newfoundland folklorist, this book is full of beautiful photos and original interviews with "old timers" who remember mummering traditions from the past in many villages around the island. Every aspect is here, from ugly sticks, to hobby horses, to the mummers' play. He even makes a visit to Philadelphia to see the annual New Year's Day mummers' parade (about which I had never heard). He closes the book looking at how the tradition evolves to stay alive. In more urban settings, where residents don't always know their neighbors, there may be a reluctance to let mummers into one's home. This seems to be addressed by having larger community events, such as a mummers festival and parade. This is a wonderfully interesting look at a very old Christmas tradition.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and wonderful book about the history and culture of mummering (and all of its incarnations) in Newfoundland and Labrador. A great gift for yourself or anyone interested in history, culture, music, dance, etc.

For a full review, please see http://planecrashgirl.ca/2015/03/revi....

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent reference to introduce you to the world of mummering in Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a must read for any Newfoundlander and history buff. It is well worth the time spent just reading it and taking it all in.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by mummers. I grew up in a small outport town and Christmas time was always such a fun time. I remember fondly the mummers who came to visit my grandparents house, the music and laughter. Jarvis does a fantastic job of covering the history of Mummering in Newfoundland and Labrador. I loved reading the anecdotes and seeing all the pictures. A great read for this time of year!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun tradition! The photos were especially helpful in understanding the kind of disguises employed.