For a quintessential slice of Cornwall’s rustic charm, look no further than Bodmin Wassailing, a centuries-old tradition that’s equal parts community celebration, orchard blessing, and cider-fuelled revelry. Held in early January, this lively event sees locals gathering to honour their apple trees, scare away evil spirits, and ensure a bountiful harvest for the year ahead.
If you’re a time traveller craving a mix of folklore, festivity, and the tang of spiced cider, Bodmin’s orchards in the early 19th century are calling your name. Bring your best singing voice, a sturdy pair of boots, and a hearty thirst for cider—you’re in for a night to remember.
What Is Wassailing?
The word wassail comes from the Old English waes hael, meaning “be well” or “good health.” Originally a pagan midwinter tradition, wassailing evolved to blend Christian and folk customs. It involves gathering in orchards to “wake up” the apple trees, offering them cider-soaked toast (as a bribe, naturally), and singing to ensure a fruitful harvest.
In Bodmin, the tradition is a boisterous community affair, with song, dance, and a healthy dose of Cornish humour. Expect cheers, laughter, and the occasional clash of pots and pans to scare off those pesky tree-dwelling spirits.
Why Bodmin?
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, Bodmin is a town steeped in history, from its medieval prison to its role as a hub for Cornish culture. The surrounding orchards have long been a source of local pride and economy, making Bodmin the perfect place to experience wassailing in its most authentic form.
Here, wassailing isn’t just about ensuring a good harvest—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the shared hope that another year of cider will flow freely.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Bodmin’s Historic Heart
Start your journey in the town centre, where the streets hum with Cornish character. Visit St. Petroc’s Church, one of Cornwall’s largest parish churches, and wander through Bodmin Jail, where you can glimpse the town’s darker history (and perhaps a few ghosts).
For dinner, settle into a local inn and enjoy a hearty Cornish pasty paired with a glass of crisp local cider—consider it a warm-up for the main event.
Day 2: The Wassailing Night
As dusk falls, head to one of Bodmin’s orchards, where the wassailers are gathering. The ceremony begins with the Wassail Queen leading the crowd in song, offering cider to the apple trees, and hanging cider-soaked toast in their branches as a symbolic offering.
Then comes the fun part: making noise. Grab a pot, pan, or anything that clangs, and join the crowd in scaring off evil spirits that might harm the harvest. Expect plenty of cheering, laughter, and possibly some friendly competition over who can be the loudest.
The evening ends with more singing, communal feasting, and—naturally—more cider.
Traditions to Watch For
- The Wassail Song: The ceremony’s centrepiece is the communal singing of traditional wassail songs, with lyrics invoking good health and bountiful harvests.
- Toast Offerings: Cider-soaked toast is hung in the trees, symbolising thanks to the spirits of the orchard.
- Noisemaking: A raucous tradition to ward off evil spirits, ensuring the trees can grow in peace.
Why It Matters
Bodmin Wassailing is more than just a quirky rural tradition—it’s a celebration of connection, resilience, and the enduring bond between people and the land. In an era when life revolved around agriculture, the practice was both a prayer and a party, blending practicality with joy.
Even today, wassailing is a reminder of the importance of community and the role that shared traditions play in bringing people together.
Travel Tips for Wassailing in Bodmin
- Dress Warmly: Cornwall’s winters can be chilly, especially after sundown. Layers and sturdy boots are essential.
- Bring a Mug: Cider flows freely at these events, and having your own mug ensures you don’t miss a drop.
- Learn the Songs: Wassailing is a participatory event, so brush up on the lyrics before you go—everyone sings along!
What’s on the Menu?
Wassailing in Bodmin wouldn’t be complete without some Cornish culinary staples. Look for:
- Cornish Pasties: A warm, flaky parcel of meat and vegetables.
- Spiced Wassail Punch: A mulled cider spiked with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Saffron Buns: A sweet, saffron-infused treat to keep your energy up.
Fun Wassail Trivia
- Did you know? Wassailing is believed to predate Christmas, with roots in pagan midwinter celebrations.
- Odd but true: Some versions of wassailing involve firing muskets into the air—a noisy way to banish spirits!
- Cornish twist: Bodmin’s wassailers often incorporate local songs and dances, making their celebrations uniquely Cornish.
Want to Know More?
Books
- Cornish Customs and Traditions by Tony Deane and Tony Shaw. A comprehensive guide to Cornwall’s rich heritage.
- Wassail! In Mazes and Labyrinths by John E. Vigar. An exploration of wassailing’s origins and practices.
Articles
- “The Ancient Ritual of Wassailing” in Folklore Quarterly.
- “Apples, Cider, and Spirits: The History of Wassailing” by the Cornish Heritage Society.
Web Resources
- Cornwall Heritage Trust: www.cornwallheritagetrust.org
- English Folk Dance and Song Society: www.efdss.org
The Final Word
Bodmin Wassailing is more than just an orchard blessing—it’s a joyous celebration of tradition, community, and the enduring love of cider. Whether you’re clanging pots, toasting trees, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this event is a unique glimpse into Cornwall’s rich cultural heritage.
So, pack your warmest clothes, practice your wassail songs, and head to Bodmin for a night of festivity, folklore, and plenty of cider-fuelled cheer. And remember: the louder you are, the better the harvest.
Have you wassailed in Bodmin or elsewhere? Share your stories—we’ll toast your adventures with a hearty “Wassail!”
