Records kept by the Holstein family, early Upper Merion Swedish settlers, state that the Swedes, and in later years, the Germans and Swedes welcomed in the New Year with mumming. The Upper Merion Swedes called, “Fantasticals.” Hands of masked, costumed men paraded in the village streets and went house to house acting out short plays or reciting verses. In return, the revelers were offered coins or something to eat or drink. (Courtesy of the King of Prussia Historical Society’s Winter 2012 Gazette, p7.)
E-History Fact published 1/8/16 Upper Merion Township E-Newsletter