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Mumming: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŽญ
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mumming

 

[ หˆmสŒmษชล‹ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

theatrical performance

Mumming refers to a traditional form of performance where actors wear disguises, often presenting a play that involves a mix of drama and humor. This practice is commonly associated with folk plays and seasonal celebrations, particularly during Christmas and New Year festivities.

Synonyms

masquerade, pantomime, playacting, tableaux

Examples of usage

  • The mumming play brought joy to the holiday festivities.
  • Children participated in mumming as part of the community's Christmas celebration.
  • Mumming has ancient roots in the Celtic traditions.
  • The actors enjoyed dressing up in elaborate costumes for the mumming.
Context #2 | Noun

seasonal tradition

Mumming is also seen as a seasonal custom where individuals, often in groups, go from house to house, performing songs or skits in exchange for food or drink. This practice fosters community spirit and celebrates cultural heritage.

Synonyms

caroling, wassailing

Examples of usage

  • The local mumming troupe visited each home, sharing stories and music.
  • Mumming was a way for neighbors to connect during the cold winter months.
  • The tradition of mumming has been preserved for generations.
  • They embraced the mumming customs passed down from their ancestors.

Translations

Translations of the word "mumming" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคฎเฅเคฎเคฟเค‚เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mumming

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะผั–ะฝะณ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒŸใƒณใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mumming

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mumming

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋จธ๋ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูˆู…ูŠู†ุบ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mumming

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ›แƒ˜แƒœแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mumming

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mumming

Etymology

The word 'mumming' is believed to have derived from the Middle English term 'mome', which means 'to mask' or 'to disguise'. The practice of mumming can be traced back to ancient customs around the winter solstice in various cultures, where disguises and plays were used to entertain and celebrate the turn of the year. In the UK, particularly in regions like Cornwall and parts of Ireland, mumming developed as a folk tradition involving masked performances, often reflecting local tales and community issues. The tradition was linked to various holidays, especially Christmas, where groups would perform plays or skits in exchange for food or drink. Over the years, while the popularity of mumming waned, it has seen a revival as communities seek to reconnect with their cultural heritage and celebrate local customs.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,217, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.