393: How to Wassail & Drink Hail

Cider Chat

What does Wassail & Drink Hail mean?

In this episode learn about meaning behind Wassail and Drink Hail from the Butler himself, Al Sax.

A Wassail is a celebration of the orchards, most typically apple orchards to honor the natural world and pay tribute with hopes of an abundant fruiting season moving forward.

A Wassail is also a cheer

• When you hear someone say “Wassail” it means -Be Healthy!
  • The reply is “Drink hail” – To your health!

Al as the Butler at the Wassail When time of year to Wassail?

Historically a Wassail would be held on the 6th of January or what is known as the Twelfth Night. Or on the 17th of January which is called “Old Twelvey”

Procession to the main Wassail fire

In these modern times a Wassail can take place when it is most appropriate considering the weather and outside temperatures. There is no strict protocols, but rather traditions that when followed harken us all back to our ancestral roots and pagan ways.

Where do Wassails take place?

In the orchard surrounding a large fire, a fire circle and in some places 12 small rings of fire for the 12 apostles or for the twelve signs of the Zodiac.

Indoor Wassails are also doable for those who can’t go outside during -6 degree temperatures. Thus, a Wassail can take place at a Senior Center or a Day Care with songs being sung around a plant or small tree.

How to Make a Torch for Wassailing

The end goal is all the same, to sing to the orchard, the apple tree(s), to ward off the apple foes and to harken in better times ahead.

The Old Apple Tree of the Wassail How to Plan for your own Wassail

• Have a fire keeper who will make sure the wood is ready and lit to greet the parade of merry makers
• Set a meeting spot for everyone to gather and then walk to the oldest or largest apple tree. The fire is often very nearby.
• Have “Safe” Torches, flashlights to lead the crowd to the main fire
• Have some hot mulled cider, which is always good for a loud “Wassail and Drink Hail” reply
• Have a Master of the Ceremony or what is known as the “Butler”
• Select a King and Queen
• Have slices of Toasted bread
• Have Cider to drink and to pour a bit on the toast and onto the ground
• Hand out lyrics to the Wassail songs
• The King and Queen lead the group up to the Apple Tree
• Place the toast on the limbs
• Pour cider on the roots of the tree
• Make noise to ward off the evil spirts – this is your chance to call out “Wassail” and then reply “Drink Hail”!
• If Morris Dancers are available they would do a dance or two
• Have a taste of two of Wassail – pick an option that best suits your crowd. It can be a hot mulled cider, with or without spices or fortified with brandy, perhaps a wee bit of honey?

A two handled cup or goblet is the classic Wassail cup that would be passed round, but these days any fine drinking cup would do sans the passing around.

Wassail and Drink Hail around the world

• Willie Smiths Cider in Tasmania hosts an annual “Mid Winter Festival” in July
• Campaign for the Revival Of Wassailing (CROW)
  • www.nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house-and-park/recipes/petworths-traditional-wassail

Mentions in this Cider Chat

• 072: Lost Apple of the Quabbin |Massachusetts
• January 5, 2024 Wassail at Botanist and Barrel Cidery and Winery, 115 Persimmon Hill Ln, Cedar Grove, NC 27231-8807, United States
• Hear about the orchard samplers and cider made at Renaissance Orchards in Ferndale Washington in Episode 390