Some say the origins of The Mummers Parade can be traced as far back as 1642, forty years prior to William Penn's arrival and is the result of a blending of Northern European, British and African American cultures. Many claim the tradition has Swedish roots, stemming from the holiday celebrations of settlers outside of Philadelphia along the roads of Tinicum and Kingsessing.

The early Swedish Mummers were even said to have a special dance step, performed to rhymes such as this, as they went house to house bringing and seeking cheer, often being rewarded with cakes and ale.

As we stood the year before
Give us whiskey, give us gin,
Open the door and let us in.

It is said that George Washington, following his inauguration, began the official custom of New Year's Day calls and continued it during the seven years he occupied the presidential mansion in the then capital city of Philadelphia.

Mummers History Highlights 1808 Legislation is passed by Philadelphia social leaders, upset by the masquerading and noise making of The Mummers. The mandate was ignored.
1840 The Chain Gang is established, becoming the earliest "club"
1879 Philadelphian James Bland composes "Oh dem Golden Slippers" widely regarded as the theme song of the Mummers.
2000 Mayor Ed Rendell becomes the city's first Mayor to march as a "Comic" in the parade, clad in wench attire.

The parade as we know it today, officially began in 1901. At its peak in the 1940s, prior to the parades television debut, it is said to have drawn nearly two million spectators. myphl17 has been televising the parade for 12 consecutive years since 1995.