Wassail the trees, that they may bear
You many a plum and many a pear:
For more or less fruits they will bring,
As you do give them wassailing.
~Robert Herrick “The Wassail” (1591-1674)
The ancient origin of wassailing was a midwinter toasting to wake the cider apple trees and discourage evil spirits from causing mischief, helping to ensure a good harvest. The ancient term is derived from ‘Waes hael,’ meaning ‘good health,’ and the response is ‘Drinc hael’, meaning ‘I drink to your health.’ Over time, it evolved into a merry Twelfth Night celebration, either on January 5th or 17th, according to which calendar is used.
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