What is a Texas homecoming mum? Why they keep getting bigger

Kacey Musgraves might live in Nashville, but the country singer has never forgotten her Texas roots.

Ahead of an August performance in Toronto, the star was gifted a homecoming mum, a ginormous accessory filled with chrysanthemums and cascading ribbons, decorated on theme with her Middle of Nowhere Tour.

The country singer, who was raised in Golden, Texas, posted on socials: “Definitely would have gotten in trouble in the hallways with this beast. Thank you, @scotiabankarena, for giving me this fun piece of Texas homecoming culture. 🏈 IYKYK.”

Musgraves isn’t the only one talking about mums. This Texas tradition is blowing up on social media amid homecoming season, with many viewers around the country learning about the phenomenon for the first time.

The original homecoming mums were worn at the first-ever homecoming football game in 1911 in Missouri, but the tradition started appearing in Texas during the 1930s, according to Baylor University's homecoming site. The word “mum” is short for the “chrysanthemum” flowers that are the highlight of this floral arrangement. Traditionally, boys gifted their dates these simple homecoming corsages.

Typically, mums are worn to the homecoming game ahead of the dance and are often made in school colors in support…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/life/