Mumming is a ritual play that is well over a thousand years old. Whilst it is traditionally associated with the Christmas period (Midwinter Solstice), it is said to be linked with pagan rites showing the triumph of life over death (death and resurrection).
Indeed, in other parts of the country they are even performed at Easter and All Souls Day (near Samhain). We have performed the Wantage Mummers Play since 1977, which is based on an old tradition from the nearby village of Steventon.
We perform our play on December 26th. The Icknield Way Morris Men sponsor the Wantage Mummers.