Homecoming Mums – the Tradition
- melzmumz
- May 28
- 2 min read
The Homecoming Mum tradition is a long standing Texas custom that has significantly transformed over time. Initially, it involved a simple real chrysanthemum flower with some ribbons, but now it features a silk flower adorned with ribbons and an assortment of other embellishments.
Many traditions have remained unchanged for countless years. While new trends continuously emerge, certain aspects persist.
Historically, Homecoming Mums were presented by a boy to the girl he was taking to the Homecoming Dance. The larger the mum, the more affection it symbolized. This is not the case anymore.
Today, Homecoming mums are still exchanged, with the boy giving his date a Homecoming Mum, and the girl providing her date with a smaller version worn on the arm called a Homecoming Garter. However, with changing times, many teenagers now prefer attending Homecoming with friends or in groups, eliminating the need for a "date." In such cases, parents often purchase homecoming mums for their daughters, or girls may buy them for themselves or their friends. The "little sis mum" has become a delightful tradition where high school girls get one for their younger sisters in middle or elementary school, allowing them to join in the fun.
Homecoming Mums are worn on game day, typically Friday, throughout the school day. As you might imagine, on Homecoming day, the high school halls are filled with the sounds of bells, rustling ribbons, and various noise makers. That evening, you wear your mum to the Homecoming Football game. Most schools do not wear their mums to the Dance, only to school and the game.
Then there are the sizes. Traditionally, Freshmen have a single mum, Sophomores have a double mum, and Juniors have a triple mum in the school colors. Seniors may have various sizes, with Quads and Triples being common, or even large single mums. Senior mums are typically all white with either gold or silver, depending on the school colors. In recent years, many seniors choose to add an accent color of their choice, such as hot pink or purple. These are traditional guidelines, not strict rules. The only real faux pas would be an underclassman wearing an excessively large mum, like a Freshman with a triple. Rule of thumb is you can always go down in number of flowers, but not up (flowers were to represent the number of years in high school).
The Homecoming Mum has become an enjoyable way to express school spirit and individuality. You can personalize the mum with almost anything you desire! Many people keep their mums for a lifetime, often hanging them on their bedroom walls and treasuring them for years.
Hope you enjoyed reading this!
Melissa
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