Hi Tradsinger

I hope I can help a bit. Peter Kennedy recorded in 1961 "Folk Songs Britain Vol. 39 Songs of Ceremony". As of the time of this recording Peter says that this door to door tradition was still being carried from Cornwall to Yorkshire.

The Cornish Wassail Song that Peter has this song in 2 parts. The 1st 2 verses are outside the house then after knocking on yhe door & entering call out"The compliments othe season to you all" & then sing 7 more verses.

The New'r Even's Song from N Ronaldsay, Orkney seems to be some what of a relation to Wassail Songs, sung at Hogmanay. One person sang at the door & after finished the song she'd open the door & break a big oakcake over his head they'd then go inside to beg & sing.

He also has the Mari Lwyd (translated as Grey Mary, Grey Mare & Grey Death) ceremony as a mid winter rite witha group of men accompanied by a man covered in a white sheet holding a broomstick with the sckull mounted on it. The compay is always alerted of it'd coming by the the Mri Lwyd's small bells.

He's also has a recording of the Gower Wassil Songfrom Charlie Bate of Padstow & the Somerset Wassil Song from Harry & Walter Sealy & Ash Priors of Taunton, Somerset.

Though there's there are only a few Wassil song on this LP it's well woorth digging up for the notes on the jacket sleeve & the accompanying May Day, Mummers song & the Carols.

Also try to get your handson, if you don't already have it, Peter Kennedy's "Folk Songs of Britain & Ireland" 1975, not much in the way of Wassil but lists some good resources.

Hope this has been a slight help.

Barry