Blessing the Apple Tree
Wassailing an apple tree is a custom that goes back centuries, and many places across the country where cider is produced have been reviving the tradition in recent years. Wassailing traditionally happens around Old Twelfth Night. It involves blessing apple orchards to make sure that every year the apple trees produce a good crop. The word itself comes from the Old Norse and is a greeting meaning ‘good health’. Fiona Clampin went along to the village of Stoke Gabriel in the area of Devon known as the South Hams to see how they prepare for the big event.
Stoke Gabriel Village will be hosting the Waissail on 17 January 2009 from 4.30pm. |
