Paper short abstract:

The investigation of Christmas mumming related to Epiphany was initiated in 1967 and in 2011 should result in a book on Danish masks. Four islands making a portrait of the potentially optimal place for masking traditions have been investigated for this purpose.

Paper long abstract:

This paper is based on modern investigation of Christmas mumming related to Epiphany since 1967. The author has visited all major places in Denmark where this tradition still exists. Around 1999 Terry Gunnell formed a research group, the results of its work were published in Uppsala, 2007: Masks and Mumming. A new effort should in 2011 result in an anthology of Danish masks. Four islands making a portrait of the potentially optimal place for masking traditions have been investigated for this purpose. Each of the islands has specific features but in general the inhabitants are conservative, legislative and any change reaches them with a considerable delay. The sea communications to and from islands constitute a check point adding to the security of the society. In recent time the narrative of the authentic culture, the quite surroundings and the friendly population have given traditions a boost. Closeness is part of the island image and the Epiphany tradition is an exponent of that image.