Apple tree wassailing is a ceremony which involves drinking to the health of the apple trees, traditionally on 12th night. The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon phrase ‘waes hael’ meaning ‘good health’.
Apple trees are sprinkled with cider to ensure a good crop. Folk gather around the apple trees to awaken the Apple Tree Man from his slumber and to scare away any evil spirits of winter which may be hovering among their branches. Then the Apple Tree Man is hailed and a traditional ‘Wassailing Song’ sung or chanted as a blessing or charm to bring a good apple harvest the following year. This custom was especially important during a time when part of a labourer’s wages was paid in apple cider, and Landlords needed a good apple crop to attract good workers.
So one fine Sunday lunchtime in January the Victorian Gardeners met for their version of wassailing! We brought our own lunch but shared hot spiced apple juice – in lieu of cider – Dorset Apple cake and toasted marshmallows. Then we chanted this wassail, sprinkled apple juice on all our apple trees and paraded around the garden. Fortunately there were no visitors and we are good distance from the town! Cally had garlanded her hat with greenery, which was later presented to the Lane’s Prince Albert tree. Mary recited her ‘Bee Wassail’ – from her exquisite calligraphy, gold on vellum – Steve led us in another wassail song and then some favourite carols, Lynne sang a plaintive Polish song and we all had a jolly good time and went home feeling glad to have met-up for a long overdue social gathering … and then it was back to gardening a few days later!
Old Apple-Tree, we Wassail thee,
And hoping thou will bear
For the Lord doth know where we shall be
Till apples come another year;
For us to bear well and bloom well,
So merry let us be,
Let everyman take off his hat
And shout to the old Apple-tree;
Old Apple-Tree, we Wassail thee,
And hoping thou will bear
Hats-full, caps-full
Three Bushel bags-full,
And a heap under the stair.
Hooray!!
Click here to find out more about the apple trees in the Museum Garden.