The Wassailing Tradition
Wassail (Old English wæs hæl, literally 'be you healthy') refers both to the salute 'Waes Hail' and to the drink of wassail, a hot mulled cider traditionally drunk as an integral part of wassailing, an ancient English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest the following year.
Taken from Wikipedia
Foxs' Wassails
Foxs Morris enjoyed taking part in several Wassails over the years, not least the Bodenham Arboretum Wassail. We have been invited to lead and organise the Wassails at the Arboretum over the past few years, which have proved great successes.
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| Foxs dancing at Bodenham Aboretum |
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| Sid, Foxs' Squire, leading the Wassail |
“So raise your pots, drums and pans
Make some noise and raise your hands
Good and loud we’ll hear a bang
Scare evil spirits from this land
Wassail! Drink Ale!”
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| The King of the Wassail |
The event was filled with singing, dancing and general merriment. We enjoyed interacting with the audience and invited them to take part in some of our dances.
Bodenham Arboretum obviously appreciate Foxs contribution to the day; here is their feedback:
"Thank you Foxs Morris for a wonderful Winter Wassail here at Bodenham. You created a fantastic atmosphere - it was entertaining, educational and enjoyed by everyone who attended - young and old! We hope you will return with your talented team and make it an ongoing tradition for Bodenham as a result - thank you!"
The Express and Star reported the event in 2020 view it here.
"Thank you Foxs Morris for a wonderful Winter Wassail here at Bodenham. You created a fantastic atmosphere - it was entertaining, educational and enjoyed by everyone who attended - young and old! We hope you will return with your talented team and make it an ongoing tradition for Bodenham as a result - thank you!"
Here’s to future Wassails - Wassail! Drink Ale!
