WASSAIL! An English Midwinter Tradition

A glimpse into the English tradition of "The Wassail", celebrated with ceremony, apple lore, fire, song and cider! - The Wassaillers whoop and holler, bang and call to scare aware the bad spirits and encourage new growth in the orchard. Filmed in the Parish of Colwall in rural Herefordshire in January 2015.
Video: Joolz Webb
Production Copyright: 2015 Little Light Film
"Colwall Wassail Song" copyright 2011 Joolz Webb

[@Tiz604]

Wes Thu Hal..Hail Woden Hail his folk!

[@randyjimmiejamesbowles]

Believe it or not, they used to hold a similar (not exactly the same!) ceremony in Yakima, Washington, U.S.A., in the 1960's. Apparently the town had a relationship with Carhampton.

[@thewagonwitch6233]

We've had somewhat of a revival of Wassailing in UK over the last 20 years. More folks getting into old traditions, which is a good thing!

[@joolzwebbA1]

WASSAIL!....An English Midwinter Tradition. Share the warmth of the Midwinter fire and festivity.

[@eliselangley8445]

Hi we just about to do a wassail in Cornwall. Just wondering how do you do the fire on the end of your sticks, do you know?

[@thewagonwitch6233]

I think they used sticks with sacking strips wrapped around them and then dipped in paraffin (or lamp oil maybe).