"Love and joy come to you,
and to you your wassail to;
and God bless you and send you
a happy New Year."
In the lush orchards of the Pacific Northwest, a centuries-old tradition is being revived: wassailing. Originating in medieval England, Wassailing was a way for communities to bless their apple orchards and ensure a bountiful harvest. Today, this age-old tradition has found new life among cider producers in the region.
Wassailing, derived from the Old English term "waes hael," meaning "be well," involves a group of people gathering around an apple tree on a cold winter's night. They sing traditional songs, such as the well-known wassailing song, "Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too," while toasting to the health and prosperity of the orchard.
In medieval England, wassail drinks were often made with warm spiced ale or mead, sweetened with honey and flavored with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. These drinks were believed to bring good luck and fertility to the trees. Today, cider producers have put their own twist on the tradition, creating unique wassail drinks with their finest apple ciders. These modern wassail drinks often incorporate flavors like cranberry, orange, and cloves, giving them a festive and refreshing twist.
The Pacific Northwest has become a hub for cider production, with numerous orchards and cideries embracing the wassailing tradition. Cider producers open their doors to the community, inviting them to join in the festivities and experience the magic of wassailing firsthand. Visitors can participate in the traditional singing, enjoy delicious wassail drinks, and even take part in the age-old tradition of pouring cider onto the roots of the apple trees as a symbolic gesture of fertility and abundance.
As the wassailing tradition continues to thrive in the Pacific Northwest, it serves as a reminder of the region's rich agricultural heritage and the importance of community. Whether you're a cider enthusiast or simply looking for a unique winter experience, wassailing in the Pacific Northwest offers a taste of history and a celebration of nature's bounty. So raise your glass, sing along, and toast to a happy and prosperous New Year!
