I thought we were "real" Texans after we experienced Hurricane Ike. I learned this year that there's more to it than that. A real Texan knows about homecoming mums and how to make them. The first time I heard someone talk about making a mum it was all I could do not to point out to them that mums are "grown" not "made". Good thing I kept my mouth shut because mums are MADE in Texas. Apparently it's a long-standing tradition to give mums to homecoming dates...and the more obnoxious the better! A mom in my quilt bee was kind enough to invite me over to share some tips and tricks. Had a great time making the mum. The following picture is the top of the mum for Harley's date.
This is the bottom part of the mum. The ribbons are 1 yard long. These things are huge. Most mums have a cowbell at the bottom that makes noise when walking. They wear these to school on the day of the homecoming game, and to the game. Can you imagine what it sounded like in school between classes??? I'm sure the original mums were worn like a corsage. These mums are made with straps to tie around the neck.
The boys version of a mum is much smaller and is worn as a garter on their arm. This is the garter Harley's date made for him. The theme of the dance was "A Night in Gotham City" and is why there is a batman on his mum--very clever! I'm sure the wearing of the garter mum had a lot to do with TJ's decision to not participate in homecoming.
Harley and his date, Savanah.
