What on earth is Wassailing?
“Wassailing” the apple trees was especially popular in the cider-making regions of southern and western England, where celebrants would gather around a big, old apple tree and sing traditional songs. They made noise through the branches to scare away spirits, and toasted the tree’s health with warm cider passed around in a bucket. Some cider was also poured over the tree’s roots, and cider-soaked toasted bread was placed on its branches. The ceremony also included blowing horns and thrashing the tree with hopes of increasing productivity during the coming growing season. Wassailing was meant to keep the tree safe from spirits until the next year’s apples appeared.
Ewing Township residents at Ewing Town Center, River Links and Delaware Heights are welcome to visit Terhune Orchards on Sunday January 29th from 1-4pm when the “Wassailing the Apple Trees” event takes place!
You’ll enjoy dancing and singing by the Molly Dancers and re-enactments of old English traditional rituals, as well as chanting and music making, toasts of hot cider and placing gifts of cider-soaked bread in the tree branches while chanting the lively words of praise for the New Year! Bonfires! Marshmallows! Live music! Bring the family and join the fun in this traditional yearly event assured to delight participants while ensuring a successful harvest ahead!
For more information click here or call 609-924-2310 or email info@terhuneorchards.com.