Mummers ParadeI grew up in Philadelphia so I am well acquainted with the Mummers. I can remember as a child waking up early, having my Mom bundle me up with layers, and taking the Broad Street Subway into the city to see the parade. After a few years of cold and wind my mom decided to watch the Mummers on TV the easy way.
Mummer is from the old french
momer meaning to wear a mask
or a costumed merrymaker.
Turns out Mummery tradition dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of satire and gift exchange. Reports of unruly groups parading on New Years day in Philadelphia date back before the revolution. Prizes were offered by merchants in the late 1800's. The first official parade was January 1, 1901 when close to $2000. in prize money was offered from the city.
The Mummers parade is a celebration of the New Year but in Philadelphia it is also very serious business. Each year there is on average 10 - 15,000 participants. Clubs are divided into four divisions: Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigade. The divisions work on the theme, costumes, choreography and music for the parade the entire year, many starting the day after the parade is over. The scoring of the judges is based on a complicated set of rules the marchers must adhere to. Prize money awarded to the clubs is usually reinvested into the group.
The outdoor parade was postponed in 2003, the first time in 13 years. there have been 22 weather-related postponements since 1922. there was no parade in 1919 due to WW1 and in 1934 during the depression the parade was canceled because the prize money was not available.
We carry most of the fabrics that the Mummers use for the elaborate costumes they make,
here are just a few:
Slipper Satin Fabric
Lame'
Sequined Dress Fabric
Chandelle Feather Boas
Marabou FeathersView our
Dress FabricsView our
FeathersPosts by J&O
Fabric StoreLabels: feather-boa, lame, satin fabric, sequined
With 2009 right around the corner, thoughts of how to celebrate the New Year in style come to mind. From a night of partying on the town, to an evening surrounded by good friends, good food and lots of laughter in the comfort of your own home, finding the perfect material to decorate your body or home can be a challenging and timely experience; but rest assure, help is on the way at J&O Fabrics' online store. As one the largest fabric stores with one of the widest selection of designer fabrics around, J&O is your No#1 source this holiday season. So put your worries behind, and jump on our user friendly site before the countdown to 09' begins.
For the ever fabulous fashionists, J&O has a wide selection of fun and festive fabrics that will turn any seemingly simple dress pattern into a unique show stopping piece that even the diva's in the Big Apple would envy! Ladies, looking for something red, hot and fantastic? Check out our
red sequined,
crushed velour,
crepe back satin, or eastern inspired
red dynasty dragon brocade for the look that says..."
Let the party begin!". Fella's, on the prowl for something eclectic or demur to spice up a pair of plain black slacks? Check out our dress fabric section where you will find new designer fabrics like royal purple
snakeskin stretch velour,
metro suede cloth in spa blue, or elegant
Peau de Soie for a black on black look that says..."
I'm cool, I'm confident, and I look great!"Entertaining at home and looking for the right fabric to spice up your comfortable but simple decor, visit our decorative fabric section for the elegant drape of our festive
confetti sheer, red and green lightweight
taffeta with metallic gold threading for window dressings, or even our
happy hour good and plenty novelty upholstery weight material to create a fun retro look and feel to any sofa or accessory. Even toss some colorful tissue lame over any tabletop or lampshade for a truly glamorous effect.
No matter how you end 2008, it's never too late to make a brand new start. Step into 2009 with style and confidence...and a little something extra from J&O.
Check out our other great New Year's Eve party fabric here!
Check out our selection of New Year's Eve dress fabric here!
Check out our wide selection of new designer fabric for 2009 here!Labels: brocade, crepe back satin, crushed velour, decorative fabric, dress fabrics, lame, metro suede cloth, new year, new year fashions, peau de soie, sequined, snakeskin stretch velour, taffetta