HOMECOMING MUMS: A TEXAS TRADITION
Fall in Texas means football and for any high school or college team, football season includes homecoming. Homecoming is a celebration. A celebration of school spirit and a celebration of community. But where did it begin and why do we need a mum to celebrate?
THE BEGINNINGS
Although the annual Harvard-Yale game has been inviting alumni to return home for THE BIG GAME since the 1870s, the origins of the first homecoming celebration remain largely contested. Baylor University, Illinois and Missouri are the three frontrunners, all having planned and held their first coming home celebrations around 1910.
Despite the debate, these early homecoming events all had one similar characteristic: a football game served as the center point and there were also rallies, parades and dances for all attendees. The events were intended to unite alumni and students to create a stronger sense of school pride. These efforts were wildly successful.
THE MUM
As the games and rallies grew more popular, the tradition of a boy giving a chrysanthemum corsage to his date became standard practice. For many years, the chrysanthemums were simple with a small flower and a few ribbons. In the 1970s, however, the homecoming mum developed into more than a simple corsage. Most mums now include massive silk flowers with ribbons, bells, trinkets, stuffed animals and sometimes even lights. The purpose of giving and wearing homecoming mums can be summed up in one word. TRADITION. Mums are a token of affection between a boy and a girl, or between a parent and a child. Let’s admit it, it is just plain FUN and it gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality and school spirit!
So get out your glue guns, glitter and tulle! We have everything you need to create your own design. Or, have MUMtastic design a custom creation for you or your date!
