Order of Myths

Order of Myths. It is the oldest continuously active Mardi Gras mystic society in Mobile, Alabama, having been established in 1867 during the Reconstruction era. The organization is renowned for its elaborate parade and distinctive emblem, the fictional "Folly" chasing the "Death" figure. As a cornerstone of Mobile's Carnival celebrations, its traditions and membership have been deeply intertwined with the city's social and cultural history for over a century and a half.

History and origins

The society was founded in the aftermath of the American Civil War by a group of prominent Mobile businessmen seeking to revive civic spirit. Its establishment paralleled the formation of other early Carnival organizations like the Infant Mystics and the emergence of Mardi Gras in New Orleans led by the Rex organization. The choice of its name and its central emblem, drawn from classical mythology and medieval allegory, reflected a desire to connect with timeless narratives of human folly and mortality. Early meetings and planning were often held at key city institutions such as the Battle House Hotel, cementing its role in the post-war social fabric of the Port of Mobile.

Organization and structure

The operational model is that of a secret society, with membership historically limited by invitation and centered on the city's established families and business leaders. The internal hierarchy is led by a captain and other officers who oversee the planning of the annual parade and ball. While the specific roster is confidential, members have traditionally included prominent figures from Mobile's commercial, legal, and political spheres. The society's activities and finances are managed privately, separate from the public-facing events organized by the Mobile Carnival Association.

Annual parade and events

The highlight of its calendar is the elaborate parade on the evening of Fat Tuesday, which serves as the culmination of Mobile's Mardi Gras festivities. The procession features ornate floats, marching bands from schools like Murphy High School and the University of South Alabama, and flambeau carriers, a tradition shared with the Mystics of Time. The most iconic float carries the emblematic figures of "Folly," dressed in motley, pursuing "Death" with a golden horn. The evening concludes with a formal tableau ball, a private event where the royal court is presented, following customs established by older krewes such as the Strikers Independent Society.

Cultural significance and traditions

The society holds a paramount position in the cultural landscape of Mobile, symbolizing the continuity and resilience of the city's unique Carnival traditions. Its emblem is one of the most recognized symbols of Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast, appearing on local memorabilia and in media depictions. The private ball and court traditions reinforce social networks and historical continuity, influencing the broader pageantry seen in other societies like the Comic Cowboys and the Order of Inca. Its annual parade is a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from across the Southern United States and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Controversies and criticism

The organization, like many traditional Mardi Gras societies in the Deep South, has faced longstanding criticism for its historical and ongoing lack of racial diversity in its membership. This has been part of broader discussions about the role of Old South imagery and social structures within Carnival celebrations. While other Mobile societies, such as the MLK Mystics, have emerged, the continued exclusive nature of its membership has been a point of contention in the modern era. The society has maintained its private traditions amidst these debates, which echo similar controversies surrounding organizations like the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club in New Orleans and the Knights of Revelry in Mobile.

Category:Mardi Gras krewes Category:Organizations based in Mobile, Alabama Category:Secret societies in the United States Category:1867 establishments in Alabama