Conway Mill Trust

The ancient Christmas tradition of Mumming is still practiced in Ireland, especially in Co Armagh, Fermanagh and Antrim.  Entertainers clothe themselves with straw disguises, armed with clubs and swords.  In the play there are two heroes such as St Patrick and St George.  The play symbolizes the battle between good and evil, darkness and light.  There is also a’ Magical White Horse’ whose “touching up” of the women insures fertility (never known to fail).  The old English word for silent is ‘mum’ and the plays began as mumming performances.   Eventually, words were added but the original stories have often been lost through re-telling.