History of homecoming mums

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas tradition of giving mums at homecoming came from Missouri, which the NCAA recognizes as the birthplace of homecoming.

Boys would give their dates chrysanthemums to wear as a corsage during homecoming.

In the 1970s, however, the homecoming mum started growing into more than just a simple flower.

Everything is bigger in Texas, they say, including the mums.

Mums now include a massive silk chrysanthemum with ribbons, bells, bows, trinkets and even stuffed animals and LED lights.

The tradition has also sprouted the male version of the mum, the garter.

Boys will wear their garter on the arm, and it typically matches the mum of their homecoming date.

Not all states have the mum tradition, though it has spread to other states like Oklahoma and Louisiana.