Wassiling

As far back as the 1400’s, wassailing has been associated with Christmas and the New Year. It is a way of wishing friends and family good wishes.

What is “Wassail”?
It is an ale based drink, seasoned with sugar, spices, roasted crab apples, and honey. A Saxton custom, it is served in huge bowls; one would “toast” others by saying, “wassail”.

The name “wassail” comes from the Old English term “waes hael” (“be well”). At the start of the New Year, the lord of the manner would shout “waes hael” and the others would reply saying, “drinc hael” (“drink and be healthy”).

As time went on, this tradition continued with people then going door to door, bearing good wishes and wassail. In return, it was common to receive drink and foods pertaining to Christmas fare. It was believed they would receive good luck for the New Year.

One song of popularity in caroling (“a-wassailing”) when going door to door:
“Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wassailing
So far to be seen
Love and joy come to you,
And to your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you,
A Happy New Year,
And God send you a Happy New Year!”

Wassailing to the Apple Trees
It was a common tradition to also sing to the apple trees. This was to ensure a good crop of apples as the landlords needed a good crop to attract good workers. Their wages were paid in apple cider. Cider was then poured over the roots of the biggest apple tree and pieces of toast were left in the forks of the branches.

Recipe for Wassail Cup, recorded by Nicholas Culpeper (1620):
2 or 3 cinnamon sticks
3 blades of mace
4 cloves
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 ginger root
4 apples
4 oz. of sugar
1/2 pint of brown ale
1/2 pint of cider
1. Core the apples and sprinkle with sugar and water. Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until tender.
2. Mix ale, cider and spices together. Heat but do not boil. Leave for 30 minutes. Strain and pour over roasted apples.
3. Serve in a punch bowl. Of course if you're planning on saluting more than a few wassailers you'll want to increase the recipe accordingly.

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