Special, History -- Mummers Museum
"Mummer" comes from the Old French momer, to wear a mask; pantomime. It means a masked or costumed merrymaker, especially at a festival (American Heritage Dictionary, 3rd Edition).
Mummery is an old tradition in Philadelphia, and the famous Mummers Parade dates back to pre-Colonial times, resulting from a blend of Swedish, Finnish, Irish, English, German, African-American, and other European heritages. With the Mummers in full swing, New Years is celebrated in Philadelphia as it is nowhere else in the world.
Those who participate in the festivities are sometimes referred to as Shooters and Mummers. A bit of history: In the late 1700's, when the Swedes came to Philadelphia, they brought their custom of visiting friends on the Second Day of Christmas, December 26. Later the period of celebration was extended to include New Years Day. The grandest of celebrations became grander and grander with each new year. Celebrating the New Year was a noisy affair. With most people in those days carrying firearms for protection, many shot in the New Year. Hence the term Shooters.
