Wassailing In The West Country
While January often brings a period of relaxation after Christmas, the West Country embraces the season with enthusiasm. Dressed warmly and wearing wellies, locals head to nearby orchards to partake in one of our most beloved traditions: wassailing.
The word ‘wassail’ originates from the Anglo-Saxon greeting or toast ‘Wæs Hael’, meaning ‘be healthy’. In medieval times people shared a ‘loving cup’ filled with hot spiced ale or cider, proclaiming 'Wæs Hael', to which the response was ‘Drinc Hael’, meaning ‘drink health’. This eventually shortened to wassail, now associated with the practice of toasting to well-being.
It also extended to orchards where cider makers would toast their trees, hoping for a fruitful harvest. John Aubrey, describing West Country customs in the 1600s, noted that on Twelfth Eve men would “go with their wassel-bowl into the orchard” to bless the trees and place toast at their roots.
North Down Farm in Somerset, managed by father-son duo David and Ross Mangles, celebrated 30 years of wassail events on 3rd January 2026. Their work has reintroduced wassailing to other orchards throughout Somerset.
David noted: “Following our lead, wassailing has once again gained popularity among various cider growers and makers, each adding their unique traditions. The North Down Farm wassail serves as both a thanksgiving for last year’s harvest and a blessing for the trees to ensure a bountiful crop in the year ahead.”
Local variations often include bonfires, Mummers plays that combine storytelling and performance, animal-shaped lanterns, and the presence of a Wassail King and Queen. Other more unique events are also featured, such as burning pianos or running through the orchards with burning straw.
And, of course, no wassail is complete without an abundant supply of cider!
If you’re intrigued by the charm of the West Country and want to learn more about the quaint market towns, villages, and stunning coastal areas we call home, be sure to explore our Area Guides.
Should you wish to embark on your property journey this year, don’t hesitate to contact your local office or book a free, no-obligation valuation online.
For information about North Down Farm, its history, produce, and events throughout the year, visit Home | North Down Orchard | Haselbury Plucknett | England.
#itsawestcountrything
The Meaning Behind Wassail
For many, the term might evoke images of ancient pagan rituals, but wassailing is a lively tradition celebrating the end of the Christmas season.The word ‘wassail’ originates from the Anglo-Saxon greeting or toast ‘Wæs Hael’, meaning ‘be healthy’. In medieval times people shared a ‘loving cup’ filled with hot spiced ale or cider, proclaiming 'Wæs Hael', to which the response was ‘Drinc Hael’, meaning ‘drink health’. This eventually shortened to wassail, now associated with the practice of toasting to well-being.
Wassail Through Time
Initially, the wassail cup was only shared within individual households as a Twelfth Night Christian celebration. By the 16th century it evolved into a communal event with songs and carols shared from house to house.It also extended to orchards where cider makers would toast their trees, hoping for a fruitful harvest. John Aubrey, describing West Country customs in the 1600s, noted that on Twelfth Eve men would “go with their wassel-bowl into the orchard” to bless the trees and place toast at their roots.
Resurgence of the Wassailing Tradition
By the mid-20th century wassailing was dwindling due to fading rural traditions. However, the Taunton Cider Company’s efforts to restore local orchards in the 1970s led to a revival.North Down Farm in Somerset, managed by father-son duo David and Ross Mangles, celebrated 30 years of wassail events on 3rd January 2026. Their work has reintroduced wassailing to other orchards throughout Somerset.
David noted: “Following our lead, wassailing has once again gained popularity among various cider growers and makers, each adding their unique traditions. The North Down Farm wassail serves as both a thanksgiving for last year’s harvest and a blessing for the trees to ensure a bountiful crop in the year ahead.”
Local Wassailing Customs
Wassailing features a lively procession through the orchards, with traditional songs, cider-soaked toast placed in trees, and cider poured at the base to promote a plentiful harvest. Participants make noise by firing guns, using party poppers, banging pots, or blowing horns to awaken the trees from their winter slumber.Local variations often include bonfires, Mummers plays that combine storytelling and performance, animal-shaped lanterns, and the presence of a Wassail King and Queen. Other more unique events are also featured, such as burning pianos or running through the orchards with burning straw.
And, of course, no wassail is complete without an abundant supply of cider!
Discover The West Country
If you’re in the West Country or planning to visit in January or February, consider attending a wassailing event for a unique experience.If you’re intrigued by the charm of the West Country and want to learn more about the quaint market towns, villages, and stunning coastal areas we call home, be sure to explore our Area Guides.
Should you wish to embark on your property journey this year, don’t hesitate to contact your local office or book a free, no-obligation valuation online.
For information about North Down Farm, its history, produce, and events throughout the year, visit Home | North Down Orchard | Haselbury Plucknett | England.
#itsawestcountrything