An afternoon of mumbo jumbo and hullabaloo to
toast the cider gods,
chase off evil spirits,
and wake up the apple trees to ensure a good harvest.
Pagan chants and an exorcism of spirits will take place at the Old Cheese Factory on Sunday 1st September. It is all part of a fun day of celebration centered on the toasting of the humble apple tree to encourage a plentiful harvest in the autumn.
Wassailing is the practice of thanking or appeasing the deity of the apple trees. The ritual retains something of the nature of sacrament despite its jollification. To us, it is a way to champion our providers - the apple trees. Showcasing their significance to our business, the community, the landscape.
The day will include:
Wassail Songs by the Braidwood Cantors
Dancing by the Surley Griffin Morris
A bonfire and burning of the Ashen Faggot
Toasting of the trees by the greenman
A wassail parade and ceremony
The ceremony is concluded (Around 3.30pm) with a great deal of noise, horns are sounded, pots and trays are beaten with sticks, and a shot is fired over the tree to wake up the trees. Please bring you instriments of noise AND JOIN IN!
Here’s to the, old apple tree.
May’st thou bud, may’st they blow,
May’st thou bear apples now!
Hats full, caps full!
And my pockets full, too! Hazza!
Food is served from noon
Cornish Pasties
Cider Pot Roast
Welsh Cakes
Mulled Cider
Plus more |