Wassails are a living tradition  across the length and breadth of present day Cornwall . Some have a long continuity with the past, some have been revived and some are entirely new. In essence  the wassail is sung as part of a custom to bless the trees in the apple orchard and takes place during Christmas and New Year period.  Sometimes the custom is set in the orchard and sometimes it involves a procession from location to location where the wassail is sung, hopefully in return for refreshments.

The Wassail in Cornwall has a fascinating story which might have started with an alliance between the  Cornish and the Vikings! See our Wassail page for more. (1)

There are many versions of the wassail recorded in Cornwall. That given here was collected by Cecil Sharp in May 1913 from  William  John  Trenerry of Redruth. The Cornish words were provided by Merv Davey and Steve Penhaligon and sung by Keur Heb Hanow. (2)

1. Gans arluth ha mestres Y tallethyn ni, Pysi kummyas A wren ny dhe dhos ajy. Burdhen: Gans agan wassel, Wassel, wassel, wassel; Ha bedhewgh hwi lowen Gans agan wassel. 2. An arluth ha mestres esedhys yn es, Y rons i dhyn ni, An pyth dhe dha bles, Burdhen 3. Y hwaytyn sewena Dhe bub avalen, May fo cider ragon Dhe benn an vledhen. Burdhen 4. Ow mos ha bos sqwithha Yth eson devri, Tewl temmik a arghans Y’ gan bolla ni. Burdhen 5. Re bo bennath warnowgh Bos hir war an bys, Awos agas helder Ha rohow keffrys. Burdhen

1. The mistress and master Our wassail begin, Pray open the door, And let us come in. Chorus With our wassail, Wassail, wassail, wassail; And joy come to, Our jolly wassail. 2. The mistress and master, Sitting down at their ease, Put their hands in their pockets And give what they please. Chorus 3. I hope that your apple trees Will prosper and bear, That we may have cyder When we call next year. Chorus 4. Now we poor wassail boys Grow weary and cold, Drop a small bit of silver Into our bowl. Chorus 5. I wish you a blessing And a long time to live, Since you've been so free And willing to give. Chorus

Wassel Resrudh as arranged by Ian Marshall and sung by Keur Heb Hanow (courtesy of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies)

Sung in English by Red River Singers (courtesy of “Sounds Like Cornwall Today” (3)

 

Redruth Wassail as sung by Redruth Carol Choir which has eight verses.

 

 

 

 

 

Notes

1. Cornish Wassails
2. Merv Davey, Hengan , (Redruth, Dylansow Truran, 1983)
3. See also Wassel Kernow – Virtual Cornish Wassail
4. See also Wassel Kernow: Ceremonies of the Cornish Wassail