Mumming is a form of traditional folk theatre that dates back thousands of years in Ireland and across Europe. Typically performed around seasonal festivals like Halloween or Christmas, and at times of important change such as Imbolc and Bealtaine, mumming features masked performers, also known as “rhymers,” who deliver ritualistic plays filled with rhymed verse, symbolic battles, and themes of death and rebirth.
The performances are rooted in oral tradition, with characters like the Saint, the Doctor, and Biddy Funny appearing in various guises depending on the region. The Armagh Rhymers have revived and reshaped this practice into a vibrant cultural celebration, keeping it relevant for modern audiences while preserving its ancient spirit.
The Rhymers’ masks are more than just costumes—they’re symbols of transformation, anonymity, and connection to Ireland’s mythic past. Each mask is handmade, often from natural materials like straw, willow, flax and leather, drawing inspiration from Celtic folklore and traditional rural crafts. Our ethos is that everything a Rhymer uses has to have a life before and life after, so many masks and costumes are adorned with recycled materials that would otherwise be scrapped; these can include old clothing, ribbon, bailer’s twine and even old phone cords!
When a rhymer puts on the mask, they step into a role that transcends the everyday. The masks allow performers to shed their individual identities, becoming part of a timeless communal ritual that links the present to the ancestral past.