Working with many communities across Leitrim, the project aims to reach and revive many of these traditions as well as bringing modern day uses to them. Artists Edwina Guckian, Brian Mostyn and Fionnuala Maxwell have been researching the customs and folk traditions of Ireland associated with straw. These strawing traditions usually propagate music, song, dance and devilment while the roots of these traditions and many associated customs within the Irish calendar year all lead back to the influences of the environment, climate and fertility of the soil. They greatly influenced social traditions of the rural communities and were directly connected with the daily and yearly routine of work. Some of these traditions are still practiced in Leitrim, others are now only memories of an older generation long gone.

The artists have created The Mummers’ Toolkit – an easy to use resource on costume design, mummers’ rhymes, music, song and dance to teach a class how to be a Mummer. Sowing the Seed have also organised Mummer Workshops throughout the year which will culminate in The Mummers’ Parade & Ball in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim on the 4th of January 2025 which  welcomes  anyone who wants to join. Following the parade all involved will dance the night away with the Tulla Céilí Band at the Mummers’ Ball in the Mayflower Hall.

Find out more about Sowing the Seed here and follow the project on Instagram for live updates and event information.