Wassailing The Apples Trees in Abingdon

Wassailing
The old tradition of Wassailing was brought to Abingdon today in Caldecott Meadow.

The event was conceived by the South Abingdon Children’s Centre, and the Abingdon Carbon Cutters. The master of ceremonies came dressed as a Green Man.
Wassailing
Entertainment was provided by The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, and the Abingdon Music Centre.
Wassailing
On arriving, we were given mulled apple juice – cooked on an open fire.

Inside the Children’s Centre, and on the Abingdon Museum stall outside, there were tables and various implements to make decorations, and rattles for the ceremony.
Wassailing
The Green Man led us in the actual Wassail ceremony.

He said a verse…
Wassailing
Then we all joined in the refrain ”
Wake up! Wake up Oh Apple Tree!
Wake up! We Wassail Thee!”
.

The Wassail involved a lot of noise: saucepans were struck and rattles were rattled.
Wassailing
As part of this new-old-tradition we were encouraged to “Cut out Toast Shapes, and dress the Trees“.

4 thoughts on “Wassailing The Apples Trees in Abingdon

  1. Cassandra

    What a great afternoon ( in spite of the freeze). There was something to entertain every age group.
    Many thanks to all of the people who organized and took part in the festivities.
    Hoping for a repeat next year.

    Reply
  2. Neil Fawcett

    Well done to everyone involved in organising this, and the the carbon Cutters for all the work they’ve put in to create the forest school area there.

    Reply

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