WASSAIL

 

Wassail, which was much liked by the English, accompanied hearty Christmas meals. 

The word 'wassail' dates back to the pre-Christian times and practices and is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase waes hael which meant "be thou well" or "good health.

Originally, wassail was a beverage made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, nuts, eggs, and spices and it was served for the purpose of enhancing the general merriment of the season.

A toast was traditionally offered with a drink at regular intervals and normally with little or no reason.

It was important that after well-wishers had shared in the spirit of the toast and taken a sip that they top up the bowl.

The wassail bowl had to remain full of Christmas Eve to Twelfth Night

And much care was taken to ensure that it did in order to ensure the continuity of good cheer throughout this festive season.

The wassail bowl would be carried from room to room often accompanied by the singing of festive songs which is perhaps why the early practice of carol singing was referred to as ‘wassailing’.

Part of the Wassailing ritual was more concerned in seeing nature renew itself in the spring and the belief in its ability to magically bestow fertility on one and all.