Hastings Wassail : Happy New Year

The Wassail is an age-old tradition, hear say states that it was started to keep the farm laborers out of trouble, in the cider-producing counties of Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire. Wassailing generally refers to drinking, banging of drums, chanting and singing to the health of trees in the hopes that they might better thrive.

The general noise, awakes the ciderapple trees and scares away evil spiritsto ensure a good harvest of fruit in the Autumn. 

The Wassail Song | Lyrics

Here we come a-wassailing, Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring, So fair to be seen.

Refrain: Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too,

And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year, And God send you a Happy New Year.

Our wassail cup is made, Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer, Of the best barley.
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We are not daily beggars, That beg from door to door;
But we are neighbours' children,, Whom you have seen before.
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Call up the butler of this house, Put on his golden ring.
Let him bring us up a glass of beer, And better we shall sing.
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We have got a little purse, Of stretching leather skin;
We want a little of your money, To line it well within. 
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Bring us out a table, And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese, And some of your Christmas loaf.
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God bless the master of this house, Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children, That round the table go.
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Good master and good mistress, While you're sitting by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children Who are wandering in the mire.

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