According to Merriam Webster, “The salutation, from the old norse toast “ves heill” or “be well” has been part of English toast making since the 12th century.”   Wassail is also a hot drink that is made with wine, ale, or cider infused with spices and baked apples.  It is traditionally served in a large bowl especially on the Twelfth Day of Christmas and on New Years Eve. 

Perhaps it was the 13th or 14th century that the tradition of taking Wassail to the streets began.  In some documentation it says that the poor would go to their masters house for Wassail.  They would sing at the door and were to be let into the manse where they would be served their Wassail in the dining room with the best china.

In the 17th century the farmers went Wassailing to the orchard.  They would toast to a heathy apple orchard and they would serve the Wassail in a wooden bowl carved of apple wood.  They would also toast the cattle and wish them a healthy year.  

Wassailing became associated to Christmas Caroling for a short time but it is understandable that would not last due to the amount of Wassail that would be consumed going door to door. Perhaps that is why the synonyms for wassail are,  “bender, binge, carouse, jamboree, etc.).  Wassailing did wind up with a bad reputation when it was brought to the streets of New York City.

It is said that the Wassail song was written sometime in the mid 19th century.  It was quite a surprise to recognize this song.   Have a listen and please join us next Friday, December 23rd for Caroling at the farm.  We will have, for your pleasure, our own version of Wassail.  

Love and Joy Come to You