The Traditional Marshfield Mummers Is Performed On Boxing Day

MARSHFIELD, UNITED KINGDOM – DECEMBER 26: The Town Crier leads the Marshfield Mummers, The OId Time Paper Boys, wearing costumes made from old newspapers, as they perform their traditional Boxing Day mummers play in the village of Marshfield on December 26, 2017 in Wiltshire, England. The play – which was revived in the 1930s after it had died out in the 1880s – is performed by seven figures, led by the Town Crier with a handbell at several places along the High Street. In the 19th century the mummers were thought to have been villagers who toured the large wealthier houses in disguise collecting money for village festivities, but there is some evidence that the plays were performed as far back as the 11th century. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

By Jim Lawson on December 26, 2023