The south is full of traditions that we just didn't have in California and one that has caught my attention is the homecoming mum. What's a mum you ask, well let me tell you.
From Wikipedia:
Mums: A tradition that has been in place for almost a century at many Southwestern American high schools, especially in Texas, homecoming dates exchange mums and garters on Homecoming Friday, to wear to school and then to the big game, while at some smaller schools students where them to the dance this is usually not the norm. These are very elaborate corsages (for the girls, usually pinned to clothing on the chest or shoulder) or garters (for the boys, worn on the arm) that consist of large flowers, they come in several sizes and shapes and the larger the better, (usually a white synthetic chrysanthemum) surrounded by a ribbon ruffle. Long ribbons, decorations and trinkets and bells are hung from the mum. These decorations are carefully chosen to indicate the students' class, homecoming date, activities, and interests, in addition to commemorating the homecoming event with decorations related to the school and the homecoming game. And in true Texas fashion, bigger is better....so what started as a joke, I made one for Lisa to wear to the Homecoming Football game. She loved it and I have to say that it was nothing compared to what we saw on the girls walking around. It's tradition to decorate with the person's interests/hobbies, so I made hers a #1 mom and decorated a ribbon for each of her kids. I think it wasn't so bad for my first mum. I'll know what to do when my kids are in High School. It was a great game and we got to see Troy sack the other team's quarterback!
An example of the more common sized mums but on the mild side....lots of lights, letters, boas and stuffed animals were seen.
