ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hoodening

Hoodening is a strange and old British Christmas tradition where people go around dressed in funny costumes with hoods or masks and sing songs, play instruments and perform silly skits. The costumes they wear cover their faces so you can't see who they really are. They also carry a horse's head on a stick which they wave around as part of their performance.

The origin of hoodening is not very clear but it seems to have started in Kent, a county in southeast England, a long time ago. The name "hoodening" comes from the word "hood" which means a covering worn on the head. The hoodening group wanders from house to house and collects money, food, and drinks from the people they visit. This is called "mumming" and it's another old tradition.

When the hoodening group arrives at a house, they sing a special song and perform a short play. It's usually a funny and light-hearted story about a fool or a prankster who gets into funny situations. After that, they ask for a small donation or a treat like candy or fruit. The hoodening group may also ask if anyone wants to dance with them or play music with them.

Hoodening is a fun and lively tradition that brings people together during the holiday season. It's a way to spread joy and cheer, and to connect with your community. So, when you see a group of people in funny costumes with a horse's head, singing and dancing in your neighborhood, remember that they are part of a wonderful and colorful tradition that has been around for a very long time.