The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #9728   Message #63710
Posted By: Ian
17-Mar-99 - 07:55 AM
Thread Name: Wassail ? What is it ...
Subject: RE: Wassail ? What is it ...
Waes Hael - "Good Health" - is still occasionally used as a drinking toast in rural England.

Whilst the original custom was probably one and the same as carol singing in some parts of England, in the Western counties (Somerset, Dorset, Devon etc.) it has been specially identified with carolling in the cider orchards.

Wassailing, as distinct from carolling, is still practised in one or two villages in these counties.