The Sussex Mummers Carol
Revels Rituals
Discover the Sussex Mummers Carol

This traditional text is sung at the ending of the folk plays in Horsham, Sussex, as a formal blessing on the house being visited and as a good luck wish for its occupants.

A Song of Goodwill

In all American cities where The Christmas Revels is performed annually, it is a rich tradition to have audiences join in singing the Sussex Mummers carol at the conclusion of each performance. Written by Australian composer Percy Grainger (1882-1961) in 1911 and arranged for brass by Brian Holmes, our version features the descant and last-verse harmonization by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

While the details of the blessing itself may be from another era (after all, who needs more cows), the intention for goodwill lasts through the ages. 

More Cultural Traditions
& Revels Rituals
The Sussex Mummers Carol
The Peace Round
Mumming
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance
Lord of the Dance
Sword Dancing and Morris Dancing
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