The Katy High School football team is coming home on Thursday, Sept. 22, to play Mayde Creek at Rhodes Stadium. You know what that means. Time to break out the mums. Mums? If you aren’t from Texas, you might not know about this unique homecoming tradition. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here’s the skinny on everything homecoming in the Lone Star State, so when you make the move to Marvida you’ll be ready.
What’s With the Mums?
In many ways, homecoming in Texas looks like homecoming in every state — except for mums. Mum is short for chrysanthemum, a flower said to represent happiness, love, longevity and joy. It’s traditionally given as a corsage by boys to their dates to the homecoming dance. As with everything Texas, though, these corsages are supersized.
Mums are given on the day of the homecoming game. The flowers are decorated with ribbons as well as strings of bells, plastic novelty toys, teddy bears and even LED lights. Mums are usually tailored to the girl’s interests and activities. For example, if she is on the basketball team, a small basketball might be included.
The more elaborate the mum, the more jealous other girls will be. The typical mum is about 3 feet or longer.
Usually, the mother of the boy makes the mum. There are many tutorials online. Craft stores offer everything you need to make one as elaborate as possible (go big or go home). You can also buy mums at most florist shops. They can cost upwards of $300.
Do Boys Get Mums?
Boys wear garters on the arm in colors that match their date’s mum. They have been getting more and more intricate but still don’t brush the floor like mums. The girl usually makes the garter, so it’s important that everyone collaborate.
Asking for a Date
You’ve heard of “prom-posals?” Asking someone to the homecoming dance is almost as complex. Anyone can ask, but as a rule, boys still ask girls. The ask is much more public than the shy, “Will you go to the dance with me?” of yesteryear. Boys spend a lot of time thinking of the perfect way to ask a girl. They may put cupcakes on a desk spelling out the ask. They might have flowers delivered. They also might hold up signs outside the lockers. However, they do it, it must be cool.
Spirit Week
As with most high schools, spirit week leads up to the homecoming game. There are theme days. Students wear school colors and shout themselves hoarse at rallies. Some schools have parades with floats. At the very least the marching band will play — if not march — the day of the pep rally.
The Big Game
The homecoming game is a big deal. Texans take their Friday Night Lights seriously. The game usually sells out. Girls wear their mums the day of the game. It’s not unusual for the cheerleaders to be covered by their gigantic corsages. The homecoming king, queen and court are announced at the game.
The Big Dance
The homecoming dance is usually held on a Friday or Saturday. Katy High’s is Sept. 23 at the Merrell Center. Formal wear is not required but everyone gets dressed up. Many couples have dinner first. Others show up as a group.
