The ‘Songs of Praise’ service at All Saints’ this month, on Sunday, 11th January (11am) will be a bit different. We will be celebrating the ancient wassail with a reflection by Brian Castle and the reading of some traditional wassailing words.
The wassail ceremony probably originated in the West Country – though now it is carried out in countries around the world – and was traditionally performed to wake up the trees in the cider-producing apple orchards and scare away evil spirits. An ancient English Yuletide ritual, which often happened around Twelfth Night, wassailing involves singing, dancing, and drinking to bless the orchards and ensure a good harvest. The ritual takes place in the orchards, where people offer gifts by placing bread on the trees and splashing cider on the roots. They also bang saucepans and in some places – such as just up the road in Carhampton – fire guns to wake up the trees and scare away the evil spirits!
The word ‘Wassail’ has many meanings, including a drink, a salutation, a song, a party, and a fight! Wassailing may be an ancient ritual but it still has something to offer us in today’s society. On Sunday next we will provide the drink in the form of traditional mulled cider after the service. Of course, a warm greeting is always offered at All Saints’ and the ‘song’ is self explanatory – plus there’s always a bit of jollification after the service. Hoping to avoid the fight this time. And there is always the apple cake…
See you there.
Amanda
Wootton Courtenay 