On a rather wet and windy evening we were to be found wassailing in our community orchard. The King and Queen of the Wassail led the proceedings as we sang wassailing songs, blessed the trees and frightened away evil spirits. Afterwards we returned to the Piggery at Hunting Hall to some fantastic entertainment from the Rag Bag Morris dancers. A huge than you to everyone who helped make our evening a success, especially to Andrew and Hannah who stepped into the roles of King and Queen at the last moment.
The King and Queen of the Wassail lead the Procession. The king is carrying the Wassail bowl (or cup) which will hold cider used to sprinkle the trees. This is to encourage a good crop next year.
Andrew, King of the Wassail
Hannah, Queen of the Wassail
The Queen blessing a fruit tree and sprinkling it with cider. Later everyone dipped toast in the cider and hung pieces from each tree to encourage a good crop of fruit in 2014.
Back in the Piggery at Hunting Hall, the musicians are warming up for the Morris dancing to follow.
The Rag Bag Morris Dancers entertaining the Wassailers
The Wassail Queen trying out some morris dancing
Audience participation. Which way do we go now?
