Where: Philadelphia, PA
Between Meeting: Before a Meeting in South Jersey
I’m in the Philadelphia area today and I was reminded of a trip a few years ago when I had some free time before a meeting with Shades of Paper.
I drove around South Philly since it was close to the airport and in the direction of Mt. Laurel. I was on the lookout for the famous Cheesesteak Sandwich, but when I came across a painted wall featuring Philadelphia Mummers, I forgot about lunch.
While working on this file I looked up the definition of a Mummer. I was told long ago by a relative that the name comes from those in a parade who hummed. Fail! Mummery (which is performed by Mummers) is derived from Middle French momerie, was first used in 1530, and has nothing to do with humming but performing.