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
There’s a whole world in a glass of cider, and Cider Chat is your invitation to explore it. Hosted by award-winning cidermaker and writer Ria Windcaller, this podcast travels far beyond the bottle to meet the people who make the global cider culture so vibrant. Each conversation is a journey-you might find yourself in a heritage orchard learning the history of forgotten apple varieties, in a bustling taproom with an importer explaining regional traditions, or in a kitchen with a chef pairing cider with unexpected foods. The discussions get into the delightful nuances, too, whether that’s the semantics of what we even call this drink or how the concept of terroir translates from soil to sip. It’s not just about production; it’s about the community, the travel, and the stories that fermentation unlocks. This is for anyone curious about the craft, history, and sheer enjoyment of fermented apple juice in all its forms. So, pour a glass and settle in for a series that feels like a wide-ranging, informative, and genuinely good-humored chat with friends who happen to be obsessed with cider. You’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for every effervescent, tart, or sweet sip, hearing directly from the growers, makers, and enthusiasts who are shaping this drink’s exciting present and future.
In 1996 Bellwether Hard Cider and Wine Cellars opened for business in a repurposed chicken hatchery in upper New York state in the Finger Lakes regions surrounding Lake Cayuga. Now in its 23rd year of business, this fami…
Gregory M. Peck of the School of Integrative Plant Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York is the featured guest on episode 198. Greg in Peck lab Greg's chat begins at…
Top 5 Picks for Franklin County CiderDays Franklin County CiderDays takes place on the first weekend of November every year as it has been for the past 25 years. Yes, this November 1-3, 2019 is the 25th Annual and the nu…
Audio snap shots of the cider region of Cayuga Lake, a 38 mile long lake located in the Finger Lakes region of New York state. CiderweekFLX took place September 27- October 6, 2019. This region has: 10 cider producer sur…
Look close into the label and you will see, words of wisdom, fun and glee! ...There are no surprises, just a straight up fact - this cider contains - 0% Shit Episode 195 features a chat with John Michael Leslie Edwards,…
Episode 194: The Reason for Being | Ross on Wye Cider & Perry, UK Mike Johnson grew up on Broome Farm picking up apples with his grandmother, in the rural country known as Herefordshire in the United Kingdom. Thirty Five…
A Museum for Cider, Cider Mythology of May Hill and Cider Loving Fans are all featured in this episode. This is the third episode of Cider Chat featuring my trip to the United Kingdom. Go to episode 192: London Got Cider…
Kate and Toby Lovell are raising Shropshire Sheep and Friesian Sheep at Handcocks Meadow Farm The Shropshire Sheep don't debark trees which make them excellent for use in orchards. They also have a flock of Friesian Shee…
Here is the first dispatch from the United Kingdom, specifically London where my journey began. "The Talking Pommes" (The Medlars, Mr. Quince, Perry Pear) and I arrived at Heathrow and went our separate ways. The Pommes…
In 1968, Carol B. Hillman bought a colonial era estate that overlooked the Quabbin Reservoir, Boston's water source, in New Salem, Massachusetts. Originally attracted to the home onsite which is a classic colonial style…
