My favourite theory about the origin of mumming is that the plays go back at least to the crusades and were performed by itinerate soldiers whio had returned from their journeys east and were performing un their neighbourhoods for food or money. Many mummers plays are based on the theme (ironically enough) of Christians vs Muslims with St.George, Prince George or King George has the 'hero' and the Turkish Knight (Turkey Snipe), Black Moroccan Doc or the Black Prince of Paradise as the 'villain'. These were the points of reference for the performers and plays became adapted by individual villages to reflect local characters and events.

The death and resurrection theme of mumming plays probably goes back earlier - as suggested - to pagan times. I believe this is meant to represent the passing of winter and the rebirth of the land in the spring.

I perform with the Coventry Mummers and we will be embarking on our annual round of Chrsitmas Plays from Dec. 19 to Boxing Day. We will perform each play in and around the Warwickshire village of its origin - in pubs, clubs, private houses, churches, cul-de-sacs, any place where a crowd will gather and provide mince pies and mulled wine. Any drunkenness that may ensue is a purely unavoidable outcome of preserving the tradition.

Wassail!!