What is a Homecoming Mum? - 4 Definitions of a Homecoming MumWhat is a Homecoming Mum?

Q: What is a Homecoming Mum?

A: Back in the day…

The homecoming mum was a real chrysanthemum flower given by a boy to his homecoming date, just like a corsage for prom. It was something simple. Nothing compared to the “go big or go home” mums we have today!

The tradition of today is said to be a few things:

  1. The bigger it is the more the giver loves you,
  2. The bigger it is the more school sprit you have,
  3. The prettier it is the more popular you are,
  4. It’s cool to make it yourself but if you order it professionally done, you’re in the “in crowd”.

Now, are any of these true? Probably not, but just like a legend, they all started somewhere.

More: What is a Homecoming Mum?

Originally a Texas Tradition, it’s now expanded out to other states such as Oklahoma, New Mexico, Louisiana, Alabama and as far as Florida, North Dakota and Virgina. Made of mostly ribbon, the homecoming mum is given to a girl at Homecoming to wear to school then to the Homecoming game and dance, if any. Males wear a mum as well referred to as a “garter”, the mum is attached to a garter worn on the arm.



Mums and Kisses mums worn by students of Dickinson High School in Dickinson, North Dakota


A Homecoming mum is centered around a silk flower, with streaming ribbons, your name, the name of your date and whatever other creative thing you like. Some like to put their grade on their ribbons, some like a teddy bear on their mum. It depends on what you like and the creativity of the maker.

You can make mums yourself but they are expensive to buy ($90.00 and up for just the supplies at a hobby store) and put it together yourself in a  a couple hours time. Or you can order one from a professional mum maker or florist.