Published:
My first time experiencing a Wassailing this weekend where tradition dictates that we bless the health of the orchard in the hopes that they thrive and provide a good harvest.
This involves a Wassail King (or Queen) leading the processional song and activities including Morris Men dances and song, lighting bonfires and ends with a big round of noise from the crowd (this could be hitting pots and pans or generally shouting), as far as I can understand this was to ward off bad spirits that may ruin a crop.
Looking forward to next year! Heres to a good 2023 crop.
![Person wearing hat adorned with pheasant feathers beer mats and foliage.](https://res.cloudinary.com/kevhealydotcom/image/fetch/w_1400,f_auto/https://www.kevhealy.com/media/2023/photos/wassailing-01.jpg)
![A lit torch ready to light the bonfire.](https://res.cloudinary.com/kevhealydotcom/image/fetch/w_1400,f_auto/https://www.kevhealy.com/media/2023/photos/wassailing-02.jpg)
![Wassailing King leading the processional song in the darkness.](https://res.cloudinary.com/kevhealydotcom/image/fetch/w_1400,f_auto/https://www.kevhealy.com/media/2023/photos/wassailing-03.jpg)