mummer etymology

Etymology

The word "mummer" comes from the Middle English word "momen", meaning "mime" or "fool". This word, in turn, is derived from the Old French word "momon", which has a similar meaning. The ultimate origin of the word is unknown, but it may be related to the Latin word "mimus", which also means "mime".

Meaning and Origin

A mummer is a person who dresses up in a costume and performs for entertainment, typically at festivals or other special occasions. Mummery is a form of street theatre that has been performed in England for centuries. It is thought to have originated in medieval times, when people would dress up in costumes and perform plays or pantomimes. Mummery was often used to celebrate the changing of the seasons or to tell stories about the lives of the saints.

Over time, mummery became more popular and began to be performed at other times of the year. It was especially popular during the Christmas season, when people would dress up as Father Christmas, elves, and other Christmas characters. Mummery is still performed today, and it is a popular way to celebrate the holidays.

Examples of Mummers

Some examples of mummers include:

  • Morris dancers
  • Guisers
  • Mummers plays
  • Punch and Judy
  • Commedia dell'arte

mummer relate terms

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