Yarlington Wassail

The Stags Head, Yarlington - geograph.org.uk - 1012718

Yarlington Wassail is a traditional wassailing event held in the village of Yarlington, in Somerset, England. The event is part of a wider British tradition of wassailing, which is a form of folklore that involves singing and drinking to the health of trees in the apple orchards to promote a good harvest for the coming year. The Yarlington Wassail is particularly notable for its unique local customs and the vibrant community participation it attracts.

History

The origins of wassailing are ancient, with roots stretching back to pre-Christian times. However, the Yarlington Wassail, like many localized wassailing traditions, has been shaped by centuries of community practice. The event is traditionally held on the Old Twelfth Night (17th January) as per the Julian Calendar. This timing reflects the old custom of marking the end of Christmas festivities and the beginning of the agricultural year.

Customs and Practices

During the Yarlington Wassail, participants gather in the evening and proceed to the local apple orchards. A key figure in the ceremony is the Wassail King or Queen, who leads the procession. The group then surrounds the largest or oldest apple tree, and the Wassail Queen is lifted up to place a piece of toast soaked in cider into the branches of the tree. This act is a form of offering to the tree spirits to ensure a bountiful harvest.

The participants then sing wassail songs, specific to the region and the event, which are intended to awaken the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits. Additionally, shots are fired from shotguns into the air (ensuring safety measures are strictly followed) to further ward off any malevolent forces.

After the orchard rituals, the wassailers return to a local house or pub, where the festivities continue with more singing, dancing, and the sharing of cider and traditional foods. The event not only serves to uphold the agricultural tradition but also strengthens community bonds and local identity.

Significance

The Yarlington Wassail is a vibrant example of England's rich tapestry of local traditions. It highlights the importance of community and the enduring connection between people and the landscape. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in wassailing across the UK, with the Yarlington event playing a significant role in this revival. It attracts visitors from beyond the local area, drawn by the unique cultural experience and the opportunity to participate in a living tradition.

See Also

• Apple Wassail
• Wassailing
• Somerset
• Folklore of England