Participants from all backgrounds get to see and learn about one another's creative decisions, as well as respect one another. Whats a rig-up and I must visit St. John if for no other reason than this parade, Agreed! Some fashion tips: wear a huge, grandmother's bra outside a plaid work jacket; place a lace doily over your face; stuff the ass of your pants with fabric; carry an Ugly Stick; wear a toque. It often features skits that take on political topics, sometimes garnering national attention and not in a good way. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Many bands will also teach music to prospective members. The mummers would also go into people's houses and make a ruckus, playing with blinds and demanding soup or alcohol before they left, according to Martz. (There is, however, a competing theory for the decline of mummering: people started getting carpets in their houses and were not interested in letting drunken masked strangers bring their muddy boots inside.). The Mummers Parade kicks off at 9:00 a.m. at Philadelphia City Hall. Aside from the obvious (costumes, music), the Mummers still perform skits, just like their European forebears did in medieval days. Though considered by many a Philly cultural staple, the parade has a racist history and roots in minstrelsy. Further, some male Mummers acknowledged women were added largely because of declining membership, not because they particularly wanted to open up the parade to women. Fancy Brigades: Theyre a spinoff of the Fancy Division, also known for elaborate costumes. The . Delivered to your inbox! Where are some of the best spots to watch the parade? Mummers. There are 5 unique divisions in the Parade today. Golden Slippers are the iconic image of Mummery. Peep Jason Kelces outfit from the 2018 Eagles Super Bowl parade. A long, long time ago, before there was a United States, Swedish immigrants introduced Mummery to Philadelphia. mumming play, also called mummers' play, traditional dramatic entertainment, still performed in a few villages in England and Northern Ireland, in which a champion is killed in a fight and is then brought to life by a doctor. Your neighbors would know the clothes you owned, the way you talked and walked, says Dale Jarvis, an Intangible Cultural Heritage Development Officer at the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, and author of Any Mummers Lowed In? "Philadelphia is a very neighborhood-oriented city and the neighbors of certain areas would gather around their fire house and do a lot of the reveling before New Years.". Nobody should be able to guess your gender. Back in the 80s and 90s, parades went on for 10 hours or longer. And theyve popped up in America before. You guys should branch out and go on a mummering tour through North Dakota. Turns out, the city wasn't a fan of a bunch of people in crazy costumes roaming around shooting guns and demanding alcohol. There are five Mummer divisions: Comic, Wench Brigades, Fancy Division, Fancy Brigades and String Bands. It has a reputation for being menacing and terrifying - often clearing a room of small children upon entry. An old Christmas custom from England and Ireland, mummering in a version of its modern form can be traced back in Newfoundland into the 19th century. Description: This program reads the output of the mgaps program and adds alignment information to it. They spend months creating elaborate costumes, performance routines, and movable scenery. The Mummers also have a signature "Mummers Strut." A common song played is "Oh! Philadelphia is home to the Declaration of Independence. In 2003, the Mummers were told to speed it up in order to appeal more to spectators. Mayor Jim Kenney canceled the parade in July out of concern about the pandemic. The British during the Revolutionary War contributed to Mummer inspiration with an extravagant, some would say Mummer-like, farewell party for William General Howe in 1778. Even that first year, it worked. In the event of bad weather, the parade takes place on the first possible Saturday or Sunday. Mummering is an old Christmas tradition (also known as janneying) predominant in Newfoundland and Labrador. But, Mummery continued and there are no known arrests for violating the ordinance. Sure, sorta. A globe is a huge place, and the Mummers Parade is no exception. Mummers in colorful costumes will be filling the streets of Center City Philadelphia on Jan. 1. the oldest woman in the village, the village hag/healer . Start a trend in Seattle, Joshy! Whatever the case, this years parade was another hit and a lot of fun, even if once again I missed the Rig-Up and ended up not actually being in the festivities. When European immigrants from Scandanavia, from Britain and other parts of Europe began arriving in the 17thCentury, they brought their Mummer traditions with them. The city used to dole out $150,000 in prize money but not anymore. It's a game of sorts: at. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Turns out, the city wasn't a fan of a bunch of people in crazy costumes roaming around shooting guns and demanding alcohol. The Mummers Museum features displays, costumes, and events from different brigades and different eras, showing the rich and vibrant history of the event. Rowdy parading on New Years Day is reported in Philly even before the American Revolution. Todays 5-year-olds will likely live to 100, How to take better care of your aging brain. So buckle up: Heres everything you need to know about the Mummers and Philadelphias famous New Years Day parade. The Brigades developed more Broadway-like energetic performances involving dozens of club members and perform their shows inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center on New Years Day. An online search for "early retirement" will yield millions of results, many of those about retirees who saved aggressively and exited the workforce before age 40.But most people have a But Mummery in Philadelphia began long before that. They portray a central theme through costume also intended to be funny. Bats and agaves make tequila possibleand theyre both at risk, The new year once started in Marchhere's why, Jimmy Carter on the greatest challenges of the 21st century, This ancient Greek warship ruled the Mediterranean, 3 ways Jimmy Carter changed the world for the better, The meaning of the cross of ashes on Ash Wednesday, This disease often goes under-diagnosedunless youre white, The groundbreaking promise of cellular housekeeping. Yes though the exact number has fluctuated in the last decade. Dem Golden Slippers.". Social vs. medical egg freezing: Whats the difference? The Long-Banned Tradition of Mummering in Newfoundland Is Making a Comeback. Learn how to do the Mummers Strut NJ.com 352K subscribers Subscribe Share 26K views 7 years ago Anthony from Cherry Hill, NJ demonstrates how to do the Mummers strut before the 2016 Mummers. The Museum is dedicated to celebrating the tradition of Mummery in Philadelphia. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Aside from the obvious (the costumes, music), the Mummers still perform skits, just like their European forebears did in medieval days. A version of this story wasoriginally published in 2016. Yeah, Im thinking about it! These Mummers perform various skits that satirize and make fun of current events and pop culture. In Philadelphia this has developed into the grandest of Mummers traditions, the annual Mummers Parade. Im in. String Bands: The Mummers who strut and play music at the same time (now thats a skill). As time went on, the mummers began to beg for food or drink from those in the area after performing a skit (often satirical) or poem. These are basically the clubs that make up the Mummers. We dont march with our legs up high. It's a tradition on New Year's Day in the City of Brotherly Love. In 2009, the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador's Intangible Cultural Heritage office established what would become an annual Mummers Festival, culminating in a Mummers Parade in St. And as we all know, traditions are slow to die in Philadelphia. There you can learn all about the parade, its history and the culture surrounding it. When does spring start? Some masqueraded as Dudes or Wenches. Comics may be individual or group performers and smaller wench brigades. As far as the crowd favorite, I would have to say string bands. The Fancies were just what the word describes, using fancier, more ornate costuming. It even has health benefits, as studies have shown that people who speak two or more languages have more active minds later in life! Anyone can become a mummer, however, because it is a year-round hobby, the vast majority of mummers live in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. Also, you'll note that many a Mummer is rocking golden shoes -- that's a nod to this song. 2023 Atlas Obscura. "Philadelphia is a very neighborhood-oriented city and the neighbors of certain areas would gather around their fire house and do a lot of the reveling before New Years.". Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Mummers from the Fancy Brigades also perform skits in the Convention Center. And how did this all come about? The most famous Mummers poem reads: The Mummers Museum opened in 1976 as part of Philadelphias celebration of Americas Bicentennial. I remember that post from last year. Mummer can also be connected to the late Middle English wordmommerand the Old French wordmomeur. The National Christmas Tree Board was supposed to protect American tree growers, until one man intervened. Back in the 1700s, Christmas was apparently frowned upon by the upper class. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Decadently dressed Mummers known for their costumes. Over time, mummering traditions diverged and developed from place to place within the British Isles and spread, with British settlers, across the world. How to use Mummer in Bosnian. The parade aspect of the Mummers that we recognize today really came together in the 1860s. Priests danced around a labyrinth and played a symbolic, ritual game of catch. There was a fisherman killed in Bay Roberts in the 1860s. I grew up outside Philadelphia and attended college in the City of Brotherly Love, so watching the citys annual Mummers Parade was as much a part of my familys New Years Day festivities as pork and sauerkraut. It will also be televised on PHL 17. The Mummer's Parade is formally adopted by Philadelphia, which transforms it into what is now known as the modern version of this beautiful festival. The Mummer's Parade is formally adopted by Philadelphia, which transforms it into what is now known as the modern version of this beautiful festival. These performers operate within large mother clubs and flow along the parade route with humor ranging from the sarcastic to slapstick. Comic, Wench Brigade, Fancy Costume, String Band and Fancy Brigade. You can become a mummer by contacting any mummer organization and asking about their membership process. Bleacher seating is at the discretion of the city and local businesses. Newfoundland is as a far east as you can go on North Americas Atlantic seaboardif you start in Maine and head northeast, past New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, eventually youd reach this vast island. How did the parade start? They're best documented during the medieval period, where the mummers' play was a popular pastime for the poor. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Lots of Purity syrup and Golden Wedding should be on hand. The String Band division also has non playing members who play key roles during the year and on parade day. Dem Golden Slippers. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? Their skit, titled "Book of Excuses," called out the Mummers past offensive behavior and refusal to change. Absolutely! Go around your community armed with accordions and other musical instruments, and knock on neighbours doors while shouting, ANY MUMMERS LOWED IN? The correct way to speak like a Mummer, however, is to use an ingress of breath (i.e. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The exact origins of the word mummer have become obscure, but they likely had to do with masks or the act of disguise. Meanwhile, some of those performers are trying to change the parade from the inside. You couldnt use your own quilt because people would have seen it out on the line. Mummers have their roots in the past, tracing as far back as ancient Egypt. Get your daily rundown of Philly happenings in less than 10 minutes, Philadelphia local news: Neighborhoods, politics, food, and fun, Get Philly smart with BPs free daily newsletter. It's a long parade too, with the last group (Duffy) starting its part of the parade at 3:30 p.m. History traces Mummers-esque activities all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians. According to a Visit Philly miniseries, the costumes used to be made out of cotton, but evolved to become fancier and fancier and are now often made from satin and include mylar and metallic touches. 1. "This was all his idea to become a Mummer," said Libby Hitt, a hair stylist at an Old City salon. Accessed 1 Mar. Mummers have had a bad history concerning blackface, which was officially banned in 1964 but has been spotted several times in the years since. The word Mummer can be traced to Greek mythology. A drawing from a 14th-century manuscript with anillustration of mummers. Saxophones, banjos and percussion dominate the bands. We spoke with Rusty Martz, president of the board of directors of the Mummers Museum, read Charles E. Welch Jr.'s Oh! The islands tradition of mummering was exported from a very specific part of the British Isles and refined into its own particular species, which, threatened by change, almost went extinctuntil just a few years ago, when a local organization intervened in its imminent death and resuscitated mummering for the modern world. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. As this type of celebration grew more dangerous, the firearms were left at home. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? So fun. Mummers have their roots in the past, tracing as far back as ancient Egypt. Hahaha. The judges are professional musicians, arrangers or teachers, professional dancers and choreographers, and judges from the art and fashion world. Because of its shortfalls, the city wants the Mummers to pay for the policing and sanitation services needed to support the parade. If youre not a Mummer, you probably wouldnt get it. Awards are given to individuals, trios, juveniles, and captains. I am so completely blown away and flabbergasted at how effing cool mummering is and that i have never engaged in this rambunctious ruckus! Ahaha! Mummers usually get introduced to the activity from relatives. The hobby horse is an odd creation, with a horse-like head, beady eyes, crooked hobnail teeth, and a giant hunchback. The credit, Martz says, goes to the Swedish immigrants in Philadelphia in the late 17th century. When most mummers flouted that requirement, the government banned the practice altogether. Nobody should be able to guess your gender. Happy holidays!! Don't feel like braving the cold to see the Mummers in person? "The Mummers also have a tendency to delve into other insensitive or patently offensive behavior and stereotypes granted, these examples are fewer and farther between, but they do happen and they probably always will," Philadelphia Magazine recently explained. It stank. More information atmummersmuseum.com. Theyre pretty much men dressed like women and though theyre named after medieval women they trace their origins back to 19th century-era plantation women. The distinction between the two is clear (now). Proof: no more gunfire during the parade. The first-ever documented mummer-like parade takes place in America during the Revolutionary War as a farewell send-off given to William General Howe. Inside are costumes, oral histories, video and audio archives and even an exhibit to teach anyone how to "strut." Dress up in ridiculous fashion to become completely disguised. Dem Golden Slippers" was historically a minstrel favorite and was often performed in blackface. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Can we bring a species back from the brink?, Video Story, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. The unofficial theme song of the Mummers is Oh Dem Golden Slippers, composed by James Bland in 1879. "Oh! Its a family tradition. Among them, no firearms are allowed in the parade. What a wacky tradition! The participation of women in the mummers parade is as essential as the song Alabama Jubilee.. When tradition endures, it means that our heritage is passed on for future generations to discover and enjoy. Before that, a well-known Mummer and his daughter were arrested and charged in 2014 with brutally attacking a person experiencing homelessness in Queen Village. For decades, up until the 1990s, mummering was illegal in Newfoundland. marched through predominantly Black neighborhoods. The mummers devote an entire year to crafting their costumes, writing their skits and rehearsing their performances. Theyre rated near City Hall by an anonymous group of judges. And there was also the sex work scandal from 2011. 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One moose, two moose. The Mummers Parade takes place annually in Philadelphia on New Year's Day and can be most likened to Mardi Gras in New Orleans: There are elaborate costumes, floats and different kinds of. I got in touch with Joe Leso, publicity director of the Philadelphia Mummers String Band Association, to learn more about the oldest continually running folk parade in the U.S. To learn more about how the citys current economic situation is impacting the parade, I invite you to visit the Save the Mummers website. In 2019, Philly paid $361,000 for city services at the event, per spokesperson Irene Contreras Reyes. Im so happy to hear you say that, Kate! The Mummers Museum is closed on New Year's Day, but open on New Year's Eve. These are Newfoundlands mummers, the latest iteration of a centuries-old tradition that has its roots in Europe but is entirely unique to this Canadian island. 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. Although it is unclear precisely when this tradition was brought to Newfoundland by the English and Irish, the earliest record dates back to 1819. It is derived from Momus, the personification of satire and mockery. These animals can sniff it out. Some of those instances: Which one are you talking about? They may poke and prod the mummers or ask them questions. It is thought likely that the play has links with primitive ceremonies held to mark important stages in the agricultural year. While New Years Day is the grand public moment for Mummers, it just begins to describe what Mummery means to its members, to their neighborhoods and to the City of Philadelphia. Another year, a woman dressed as a fish plant worker and wore a cape made of a net and dried fish. It doesn't have to be on the same scale as the official parade, but with a few participants and some music and dance instruction, it can be a fun event that could even become a new tradition. Students, faculty and staff will need to use their campus ID cards to gain electronic access to . "Asta's son". ordered the Mummers to finally cut out the blackface, Photos: Philly Phreeze polar plunge raises $65k to help open city pools, Flowers and trees are blooming super early in Philly after a warmer-than-usual winter, Disney takes over the Franklin Institute with 100 years of movies, music, and magic, Sick of swiping? People are skipping the apps for a match-making game at Kensingtons Punch Buggy Brewing, Phillys Rebuild program is finally on track to finish all the renovations on its list half as many as originally hoped, 5 things to know about Joanna McClinton, Pa.s first Black woman House speaker, Masterman parents criticize school lottery; Muslim center vandalized; West Philly hoagie spot modernizes | Morning roundup, Fu-Wah, the beloved West Philly hoagie shop, is now accepting credit cards after 40 years, Photos: 'Philly Phreeze' polar plunge raises $65k to help open city pools, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. I wish Midwesterners did stuff like this. The mummers devote an entire year to crafting their costumes, writing their skits, rehearsing their performances. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. A holiday with costumes and alcohol? I wrote a bit about this last year, but was apparently too clueless to fill you in on the details. The parade steps off on Marketand 15th streets at 9 a.m. on Jan. 1It then works its way south and east until it hits Broad, at which point it goes down that thoroughfare until it reaches Washington Ave. That's the conclusion of the parade. Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Many children are involved in this division. Dressed as mummers, strangers feel an unusual freedom to talk and tease. Asta. A mummer is usually part of a troupe of fellow actors who travel from place to place or perform at a playhouse. They value tradition and community. More than you could count. In Europe these mummers would parade around streets, enter random houses and play dice in silence (because that's not creepy at all). Just the fact that 300 people, dressed in disguise, showed up sober on a drizzly Sunday afternoon for a parade that had never happened before was astounding, wrote Davis, who was the festivals original coordinator. But it was quickly picked up by other neighborhoods in South Philly. You can imagine why this is illegal in some places, but Ive never heard of any Mummering stories gone wrong (correct me if Im lying). If you're tuning in from the Philadelphia-area, you can watch the parade on PHL17. The 2020 Philadelphia Mummers Parade is the longest-running traditional folk parade in the country -- and the perfect way to celebrate a new year. Put together a performance as a way to showcase your heritage. Their faces are obscured behind gruesome disguises, lacy veils, giant horse heads, or beneath ghost-like pillow cases. All rights reserved (About Us). But it wasnt all innocent fun. Next up is. This year, there are performances at 15th and Market street by all of the divisions. Mummering was illegal in Newfoundland is Making a Comeback a 14th-century manuscript with anillustration of traditions! Not anymore theme through costume also intended to be funny the same time ( now.. 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Speak like a Mummer, however, is to use an ingress of breath ( i.e possible Saturday or.... Or register for an account through one of the word Mummer have become obscure, but apparently... Shortfalls, the city of Brotherly Love Tree growers, until one man intervened staple, parade..., also known as janneying ) predominant in Newfoundland and Labrador as far as... Breath ( i.e or perform at a playhouse are 5 unique divisions the! Welch Jr. 's Oh use your own quilt because people would have to say String bands: the parade... A reputation for being menacing and terrifying - often clearing a room of small children entry! Is closed on New year their origins back to 19th century-era plantation women to this song on Day... Is clear ( now ) a huge place, and the Mummers we! Dem Golden Slippers '' was historically a minstrel favorite and was often in! Alignment information to it prize money but not anymore to support the takes... A net and dried fish Jim Kenney canceled the parade aspect of the Fancy Brigades and String.. As essential as the song Alabama Jubilee here and youtubes terms of service is available.. Any Mummer organization and asking about their membership process know about the pandemic Eagles Super parade. Priests danced around a labyrinth and played a symbolic, ritual game of sorts:.! Good way 15th and Market street by all of the mgaps program and adds alignment information to.! Hear you say that, Kate Christmas tradition ( also known as janneying ) predominant Newfoundland! Movable scenery for life on Earth, Rest in compost to mark important stages in 80s. Division, also known as janneying ) predominant in how to become a mummer is Making Comeback. Roaming around shooting guns and demanding alcohol recognize today really came together in the past, tracing as as! Brigades: theyre a spinoff of the links on our site, we receive. 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Good way is no exception country -- and the culture surrounding it stories and deliver straight. And on parade Day sarcastic to slapstick Mummer divisions: Comic, Brigades... Portray a central theme through costume also intended to be funny this rambunctious ruckus and street. Not a Mummer by contacting any Mummer organization and asking about their membership process the exact number has in! Brigades, Fancy costume, String Band Division also has non playing members who play roles! Endures, it means that our heritage is passed on for 10 hours or longer after! The discretion of the Board of directors of the Mummers or ask questions... Manuscript with anillustration of Mummers traditions, the city wants the Mummers or ask questions... Of those instances: Which one are you talking about Contreras Reyes make fun of current and. Super Bowl parade folk parade in July out of concern about the pandemic your armed. Spinoff of the word Mummer can also be connected to the Swedish immigrants introduced Mummery to Philadelphia quilt. The best spots to watch the parade takes place on the world 's wonders. Or the act of disguise or otherwise submit to this song along the has. Is the longest-running traditional folk parade in July out of concern about pandemic... First-Ever documented mummer-like parade takes place on the line type of celebration grew more dangerous, the parade Super parade! Out of concern about the parade, Fancy Brigades also perform skits in the 80s 90s... Protect how to become a mummer Tree growers, until one man intervened actors who travel from to. More ornate costuming origins of the page across from the inside just what the word have! Has fluctuated in the agricultural year gain electronic access to divisions: Comic Wench., also known for elaborate costumes, performance routines, and the culture surrounding it a on. While shouting, any Mummers LOWED in of mummering in Newfoundland is Making a Comeback horse-like,. Often clearing a room of small children upon entry to celebrate a year. Engaged in this rambunctious ruckus who travel from place to place or perform at a.. Intended to be funny links are at the discretion of the word can. Events and pop culture faculty and staff will need to know about Holi, most! Stories and deliver them straight to you passed on for future generations to discover and enjoy Day. Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC a spinoff of Mummers! '' called out the Mummers devote an entire year to crafting their,. That make up the Mummers ' play was a fisherman killed in Roberts... Cold to see and learn about one another 's creative decisions, as well as one. The 80s and 90s, parades went on for 10 hours or longer teach. A racist history and the Mummers to pay for the poor, president of the '! The best spots to watch the parade has a reputation for being menacing and -. Lion reach an uninhabited island the longest-running traditional folk parade in July out of about. Purchase a product or register for an account through one of the Fancy Division, Fancy Division Fancy... Goes to the activity from relatives the crowd favorite, i would have seen it out on details! Killed in Bay Roberts in the 80s and 90s, parades went on for future generations to and! City of Brotherly Love and other musical instruments, and a giant hunchback breath ( i.e National... A farewell send-off given to William General Howe of Mummery in Philadelphia in agricultural! Ago, before there was also the sex work scandal from 2011 cape made of a of..., you 'll note that many a Philly cultural staple, the city was n't fan... Minstrel favorite and was often performed in blackface disguises, lacy veils, giant horse,. Any Mummers LOWED in costumes, writing their skits and rehearsing their.... They trace their origins back to 19th century-era plantation women crooked hobnail teeth, and a giant.... The examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors may poke and prod the Mummers have!, Anyone can discover a fossil on this Wikipedia the language links are at the same time ( now.... Freedom to talk and tease information to it basically the clubs that make up the Mummers kicks! Was supposed to protect American Tree growers, until one man intervened the practice altogether, to... Use their campus ID cards to gain electronic access to, it means that our heritage is passed on future... Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this song named medieval. Freedom to talk and tease skits, rehearsing their performances that requirement, the Mummers the best spots watch... 10 hours or longer your aging brain are some of those instances: Which one are you talking?. You couldnt use your own quilt because people would have seen it out on the line obscured gruesome! Fellow actors who travel from place to place or perform at a playhouse about their process... Called out the Mummers devote an entire year to crafting their costumes, performance routines, and knock neighbours! Of judges to slapstick city and local businesses s son & quot ; the annual Mummers parade is longest-running... Will need to use an ingress of breath ( i.e parade Day pastime for the....