Wassailing

Apple Tree Wassailing traditionally takes place on January 17th which is old Twelfth Night. Details vary according to the region: in the Cotswold's, the wassail is usually a large bowl of hot ale, roasted crab apples, sugar, spices eggs and cream served with little bits of toast, known as 'Lambs wool', other counties might use cider or hot spiced ale. The wassailers parade at night to toast the health of local apple trees with cider. The oldest, most venerable tree in an orchard is selected and it's roots are dowsed with wassail and the soaked pieces of toast spread on branches, which has the practical benefit of attracting birds to eat the pests. Everyone then makes a loud commotion with pots and pans to raise the sleeping Tree Spirit and scare away demons and a wassail song may be sung as a blessing to bring a good apple harvest the following year, such as:

Apple Tree Wassail
O apple tree, we'll wassail thee
And hoping thou wilt bear
For the Lord does know where we may go
To be merry another year

To grow well and to bear well
And so merrily let us be
Let every man drink up his glass
And a health to the old apple tree
Brave boys, and a health to the old apple tree

Many areas are reviving the custom as an enjoyable social gathering to raise people's spirits at the cold, dark start of the year, but it is also a way of marking our connection with nature and expressing gratitude for it's provision. Check your local press for events near you!

Candlemas

Candlemas is celebrated on February 2nd. It is the midpoint of winter, halfway between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox. In pagan tradition it is known as Imbolc and celebrates the increased strength of the life-giving sun as winter gives way to spring. In the Christian calendar, it marks the official end of Christmas and commemorates the ritual purification of Mary and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple, 40 days after his birth. It was the day when all the candles that were going to be used in the church over the coming year were blessed.

Traditionally, Candlemas day predicts the weather for the rest of winter:

If Candlemas Day be fair and bright
Winter will have another fight.
If Candlemas Day brings cloud and rain,
Winter won't come again.

It is a time of renewal and rebirth, an opportunity to make resolutions and focus on your goals for the year.