For the last two weekends I have spent a wonderful time in Orchards! Why? I hear you ask. Well now is the time to Wassail.

Wassailing dates back from as far as can be recalled, it is a tradition that is split into two parts.

The first to to Wassail from door to door, this was a time when you would bring round apple cider in a drinking bowl to a persons door, for a drink from the bowl you would then expect a gift.

The second is to Wassail in an Orchard, this was mainly done in an orchard that produces Cider, where you would ask for a good harvest in exchange for waking up the tree spirits, scaring away the bad spirits and giving a gift to the trees of bread dipped in cider, in return the tress would produce a good fruit for the next harvest.

Wassail is an Norse tradition meaning ‘be thou hale’ in other words ‘ be in good health’.

There are many Waasailing events that go in up and down the country, some of the most famous held in January are ,Whimple and Devon. They are fabulous events and really make you feel like you are part of the community spirit , even if you don’t live very close!

Below is a way in which we celebrate Wassailing  however, you can an do it anyway you feel best, let me know how it goes, feel nature and let her be your guide.

Every good Wassail must have a fire in the middle! First and foremost, it’s January and it’s chilly not to mention that it’s a beautiful back drop to any Orcahrd.

Then we decided on a King and Queen and they lead the procession around the orchard, scaring away the evil spirits by banging pots and pans and singing chants like

Wassaile the trees, that they may beare
You many a Plum and many a Peare:
For more or lesse fruits they will bring,
As you do give them Wassailing.

Then we welcome a waking up of the trees by offering bread dipped in cider from the previous years harvest, and another chant.

Here’s to thee, old apple tree,
That blooms well, bears well.
Hats full, caps full,
Three bushel bags full,
An’ all under one tree.
Hurrah! Hurrah!

Then we thank the tree spirits for all their kindness and ask for a good harvest this year.

We have apple cake and have some cider round the fire and have wonderful time celebrating friendship and the love of the orchard and trees.

 

 

Love and  and light

Luna x