Toast, Trees and a Wassailing Queen: An Ancient English Ritual Is Back

A traditional wassailing ceremony takes place at Sheppy’s farm in England, where a red hot poker is plunged into cider, toast is placed in tree branches, and shotguns are fired to ward off evil spirits. The revival of wassailing, rooted in ancient folklore and tradition, has gained popularity in recent years, attracting hundreds of participants to celebrate the blessing of the apple crop. Led by a wassail queen, the event includes singing, dancing, and toasting to ensure a fruitful harvest, showcasing the cultural significance of cider and community bonding in the winter months.

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