5 of 20

Write now Article Tools

Wassailing is an ancient English custom, dating back to at least 1545. The
word Wassail, is a variation of the Saxon expression Waes Hal', which means good
health. In years gone by wassailing was also known as howling.' There is a record of the rector of Horsted Keynes paying the howling boys' 6d on December 26th in 1670.

The reason for the ceremony is to bless the apple trees and encourage an abundant harvest. This tradition has been revived in East Sussex in recent years, and every year attracts larger crowds of people.

Last year the celebration was held at Middle Farm, which houses the National Collection of Cider and Perry, near Firle in East Sussex, on the A27.

Mandie and I arrived about seven o'clock on a cold, extremely wet, January evening. The main car park was full, so we traveled to the far end of the overflow car park in search of a space. The ground was muddy after heavy rain all day, as we trudged up the pothole laden road to the meeting place on the side path of the farmyard. Pentacle Drummers played a rousing tune. Hunters Moon Morris danced wildly, their crashing sticks adding drama to the bleak night. The atmosphere was electric as crowds pressed closer for a better view.

Soon it was time to move to the orchard. Morris dancers with their blackened faces held flaming torches along the route, to show the way. Five minutes later we stood in a clearing amongst the apple trees, several adorned with strips of ribbon.

In the centre was a huge bonfire waiting to be lit. The owner of the orchard put the first torch to the fire. Then Morris men put their torches to it, their black outfits making them virtually invisible, and adding an eerie touch to the proceedings, as the torches appeared to move by themselves.

Sparks shot high into the air, and as the flames took hold, there was singing and chanting.

Wassail Song
Now Christmas is comen, and New Year begin
Pray open your doors, And let us come in.
With our wassail, wassail, wassail,
And joy come with our jolly wassail.
This ancient house we will kindly salute
It is an old custom you need not dispute.
With our wassail, wassail, wassail,
And joy come with our jolly wassail.
We hope that your apple trees will prosper and bear
And bring forth good cider when we come next year.
With our wassail, wassail, wassail,
And joy come with our jolly wassail.
We hope that your barley will prosper and grow
That you may have plenty and some to bestow.
With our wassail, wassail, wassail,
And joy come with our jolly wassail.
Good Mistress and

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Unusual traditions that still exist?
We want to hear your view. Write now!