Embracing Tradition: The Joyful Celebration of Wassailing with Vigo Presses

Ever heard of Wassailing? It's not just a merry word; it's a centuries-old English ritual filled with cider, camaraderie, and apple trees! In parts of England (such as Somerset, Devon and Sussex) where apples are grown, especially for cider, Wassailing still takes place on the Old Twelfth Night - 17th January.  At Vigo Presses, where we revel in all things cider-making, Wassailing is more than a tradition - it's a celebration surrounded by history.

Roots of Wassailing

Imagine stepping back to ancient times when Wassailing began as a pagan practice. Fast forward to today, and this age-old custom is making a comeback, thanks to the revival of artisanal cider crafting and a renewed interest in our heritage.

The Wassail Rite

So, what's the buzz about Wassailing? The word itself comes from the Anglo Saxon ‘waes hael’ which means ‘to your health’. It’s a simple yet symbolic ceremony:

1. Crowning the Queen: Picture a young girl, adorned in ivy and white, placing cider-soaked bread in tree branches to treat the local robins.

2. Honouring Nature: Encircling an apple tree, cider is poured on its roots, symbolising wishes for a fruitful harvest.

3. The Chorus of Blessings: Joining together in song, wishing the trees health and abundance for a lavish cider yield in the upcoming year.

4. Joyous Celebrations: Shotguns are fired, pots and pans banged, and tambourines set the rhythm, to ward off any evil spirits and wake up the trees so they give a great crop!

Crafting New Traditions

Here's the exciting part: Wassailing isn't set in stone. Every celebration can be as unique as the people involved. Customs and songs vary, allowing for creative twists and personalised touches to this historic pagan practice.

At Vigo Presses, nestled within our orchard, Wassailing isn’t just about the past—it’s about crafting new folklore, blending heritage with innovation. Join us in raising a glass, toasting to health, and singing for a prosperous harvest:

“Apple tree prosper, bud, bloom and bear,

That we may have plenty of cider next year.

And where there's a barrel, we hope there are ten,

That we may have cider when we come again.

Chorus:

With our wassail, wassail, wassail!

And joy come to our jolly wassail!

A-wassail, a-wassail! The Moon, she shines down;

The apples are ripe and the nuts they are brown.

Whence thou mayest bud, dear old apple tree,

And whence thou mayest bear, we sing unto thee.”

So, next time you think of winter traditions, remember Wassailing—a delightful celebration of community, heritage, and the joy of making cider. Cheers to the timeless spirit of Wassail!