Frequent readers of this blog, have several things in common ranging from an interest in history to an interminable amount of patience, and no doubt too much free time. As always, I’ll endeavor to add to the first, try the second, and use up some of the third all in the space of less than 1,500 words. That warning issued (the writers’ guild requires such things for me to maintain my membership in good standing) it’s time to get to our topic, wassailing. Wassailing actually entails two old English traditions. House wassailing also called caroling, is the practice of singing door-to-door and is most strongly associated with Christmas carols. The second type is Orchard wassailing and concerns the ancient custom of singing to fruit trees to drive away evil spirits and promote a good harvest.
The word wassail comes from pre-Norman conquest days and translates roughly to a wishing of good health, whether to fellow humans or fruit trees. As with many traditions from so long ago, the true origins of wassailing remain muddled. They’re a mix of ancient religious influences, Christian practice, feudal responsibilities, and various other cultural inspirations and superstitions. However, both types involve singing and the consumption of a hot mulled beverage, with a traditional base of mead or spiced beer and served from a wassail bowl. Early wassail often included toast and apples, while later recipes added citrus fruit. Modern versions use a cider base mixed with sugar, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and wine, ale, or brandy to provide a little extra Christmas cheer. As the name mulled implies, the beverage is served warm and has become a favorite at holiday parties. Link to Alton Brown’s Wassail Recipe
The traditional English Christmas Carol “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” has its origins in one of the darker sides of wassailing, dating to the sixteenth century practice of wealthy citizens doling out treats to the less fortunate on Christmas eve. The carol’s line “we won’t go until we get some, so bring it right here” refers to the demanding nature of the practice and the occasional violence done to the unwilling wealthy. Very similar to trick-or-treating on Halloween and perhaps connected?
Using a healthy dose of writer’s license, I mixed elements of both types of wassailing along with some solstice rituals (in Welsh no less) to create a ‘bewitching’ ceremony.
Here’s the excerpt from Misaligned: The Celtic Connection as an added bonus it includes my modified verse to a traditional wassailing song
To open the party Jack Hoskins dimmed the lights for the reenactment. Ms. Morgan played the part of the Oak King and wore a crown of mistletoe upon her head. Duncan served as the Holly King and wore a crown of holly leaves with red berries. There were several supporting parts, the most prominent being the bearers of the wassail bowl to the banquet table. It was a heavy oaken bowl with agricultural scenes carved on its outside that Ms. Morgan bought in Wales. Most of the class, including Penny, were cast as revelers and given lines to sing. Penny wasn’t particularly thrilled about having to sing, but at least her lines were in English.
Ms. Morgan decided it would enhance the learning experience for the class if the battle lines of the two kings were recited in their original language. Duncan practiced his three lines for several days and felt comfortable with them.
The reenactment began with the two kings facing each other and the Oak King issuing his challenge to the Holly King.
“Mae bellach yn fy amser,” said Ms. Morgan in a deep voice. (It is now my time)
As the Holly King Duncan responded, “Yr wyf yn gorffen eto.” (I am not yet finished)
Trying to reason with his adversary the Oak King said, “Mae’r golau yn dod mae’n rhaid i chi ildio.” (The light is coming you must yield)
Ignoring the Oak King’s argument, the Holly King again replied, “Yr wyf yn gorffen eto.” (I am not yet finished)
Seeing that his foe would not relent the Oak King unleashed the light, which was symbolic of the lengthening days. At a gesture from Ms. Morgan, Jack Hoskins shined a light directly into Duncan’s eyes. The Oak King then declared, “Mae’r golau yma mae’n rhaid i chi ildio.” (The light is here you must yield)
In face of the light, the Holly King admitted defeat, “Yr wyf yn ildio fy pŵer i chi.” (I yield my power to you)
The Oak King replied, “Yr wyf yn derbyn eich cynnig.” (I accept your offer) The victorious king turned to the revelers and said, “Gadewch y dathlu yn dechrau!” (Let the celebration begin!) The wassail bearers then brought in the wassail bowl filled with warm cider and others brought in various cakes and snacks. As they entered the revelers sang their lines repeatedly until everything was on the banquet table.
Wassail! wassail! all over the town,
Our ale is hearty and it is brown;
Our bowl it is made of the oak tree;
With the wassailing bowl, we drink to thee.
Penny thought the song was silly, but Ms. Morgan assured the class it was an authentic verse from western England. To finish the reenactment, the Oak King filled a silver cup from the wassail bowl took a swig and offered the cup to the Holly King. Duncan accepted the cup and took a long sip from it. The wassail was very warm in Duncan’s mouth, but that changed when he swallowed it. Instead of spreading a hearty warm feeling throughout his body, he felt a strange chill, goose bumps rose on his arms and he shivered. Then his vision blurred and he felt a little woozy, as if he stood up too fast. It only lasted only a few seconds. He looked around to see if anyone noticed his strange behavior, but only Ms. Morgan was paying him any attention.
“Are you okay Mr. O’Brien?” she asked reaching out for the silver cup.
He gave her the cup. “I think so. What’s in that wassail?”
“Apple cider, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar, allspice berries, some cloves, and a little ginger ale. You’re not allergic to any of those ingredients are you?” she asked with concern.
“No, it’s just that it felt stronger, like when my uncle let me take a sip of his whiskey. Are you sure you didn’t bring in the wrong batch?”
“Traditional wassail does contain some alcohol, typically ale or port, but I only made one batch and I didn’t put any alcohol in it. The other students have had more than you and they’re fine. You’re probably just tired. This time of year can be tough on people. Why don’t you sit down and help yourself to one of the cakes. A little food in your stomach should help.” She handed him a cake and helped him find a chair.
She turned around and walked away carrying the silver cup in her hands. It was still half-full of wassail.
As always thanks for reading and may you and yours enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
Armen
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