Wassails

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 Aboretum Wassail. We have been invited to lead and organise the Wassails at the Aboretum which have proved to great successes. 

Foxs dancing at Bodenham Aboretum

Around 400 people attended the free event, the car park was full to capacity! Wassailers joined the Wassail King and Queen (members of the public) to scare evil spirits from the old Apple tree and encourage a good harvest.

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!”

The King of the Wassail

The remainder of the event was filled with singing, dancing and general merriment. We enjoyed interacting with the audience and invited them to take part in one of our dances.

Bodenham Aboretum obviously appreciated Foxs contribution to the day; here's 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 it here.

Photos of the Bodenham Wassail are here.

Here’s to future Wassails - Wassail! Drink Ale!