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 2020
Foxs Morris enjoyed taking part in several Wassails this year, not least the Bodenham Aboretum Wassail. We were invited to lead and organise the Wassail at the Aboretum which proved to be a great success.
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| 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.
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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 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!"
Here’s to future Wassails - Wassail! Drink Ale!
