I was not raised in the great state of Texas, nor did I ever wear a mum to homecoming in high school or college. So, I was completely naive when we moved here a couple of years ago and someone mentioned this practice to me. As an outsider and mum novice, I have to say that even sweet Diane's explanation the first year did not fully declare to me the importance of the MUM.
So for those of you non-Texans out there, let me give you the run-down. Here was my initial impression: Basically, you start with a fake mum (or at least that is what I have seen), and you "bling it up" to be this large (and dare I say it?), rather tacky ornament of social acceptance, which your daughter will pin on her homecoming shirt/dress/outfit. I had a bit of sticker shock last year when I went to buy the first mum for our daughter. It cost $45 for a fake flower, some ribbon, and some trinkets to indicate her specific extracurricular activities. I thought that seemed pretty expensive, so I vowed to explore other options this year.
Imagine how thrilled I was when, during a girls' weekend this past summer, I learned a friend is an experienced mum-maker. She agreed we would go shopping together, we would pick out supplies, and we would make our own mums for this year's homecoming game. It sounded like fun and we hoped to save a little money by doing it ourselves. Well, through no fault of my precious friend, I think I have spent about double what I spent last year. :) However, my personal mum guru and two other friends came over Friday night, and we worked for several hours to produce these mums to our daughters' specifications. Even though I spent more, I gained more. I had a wonderful time with my friends and my daughter. My sweet girl is pleased with our efforts, and she is looking forward to wearing it on Friday night to the game.
Here is what I took away from the entire process...
...the easiest choice doesn't always allow for the biggest blessing. It is obviously easier to just go shell out the $45 and buy the ready-made mum, BUT, then you miss out on the quality time and the sense of accomplishment that comes from working on a project with your teenage daughter.
...knowledge will always help us to grow. I didn't originally understand the allure of these mums...but now, I see them, not as tacky, but as a small expression of self for teenage girls. The mum doesn't give them worth, but each is unique and in a socially acceptable way, it proclaims them individuals.
...shared "creative time" with friends always strengthens friendships because opinions are expressed, help is offered, and laughter is guaranteed.
Don't you love how God can teach you something even through what you consider tacky?
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