With homecoming week nearly over, students gear up for one of the most vibrant traditions in American culture: the homecoming game. At the heart of this celebration are the eye-catching mums and garters—decorative floral arrangements that have evolved over the years from simple lapels into extravagant displays of school spirit and creativity.
The tradition of wearing homecoming mums has roots reaching back to the early 20th century in Texas. According to the Texas Highways magazine, the custom began when students pinned chrysanthemum (or mum, for short) flowers on each other during homecoming festivities, signifying friendship and celebration to honor their school and welcome back alumni.
Initially, these floral arrangements were simple. From the 1930s to the 1980s, homecoming mums remained fairly straightforward– often just a single flower worn on the chest, featuring basic designs and minimal embellishments. However, the 1990s saw a significant transformation. With the rise of individual expression, students began to create more personalized and extravagant designs. By the 2000s, it was common to see significantly larger mums, adorned with a variety of LED lights, and even stuffed animals.
According to Texas Monthly, a modern mum is often an oversized arrangement with multiple layers of ribbon, beads, and personalized tokens that reflect the wearer’s interests or achievements. Creating a mum can be a rite of passage, and many students choose to make their own. On the other hand, purchasing a mum from a florist or specialized store can be convenient, though a pricier option. Pre-made mums generally range from $30 to $150, with larger, more elaborate designs costing even more.
At DSHS, underclassmen typically sport maroon and gold, while seniors opt for white and gold mums. This color distinction fosters a sense of unity and pride within the school while allowing students to express their individuality through their unique designs.
Mums and garters have come a long way from their humble beginnings, evolving into elaborate symbols of school spirit, creativity, and personal expression. Whether crafted at home or purchased from a store, this symbol of school pride will undoubtedly be on display this Friday night.
