Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Here We Come A’Wassailing

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green,
Here we come a-wassailing,
So fair to be seen:

Love and joy come to you,
And to you your wassail too,
And God bless you and send you,
A happy New Year,
And God send you,
A happy new year.

The Holly Man
To wassail: to drink ale! 

This guy here is the “among the leaves so green” part with a bowl of wassail from which you drink and yell “wassail” to your friends. This honey-based drink is served in large pewter or silver bowls. These bowls can also be known as “loving cup” and are passed around the house to all of your guests. Another way to wassail is to bless fruit trees or celebrate the harvest of apples. 

The word wassail is derived from an Old English word for “be well”. In Saxon times, the lord of the manor would take the time out at the start of every new year to meet with the peasants. He shouted out “waes hael” or “be well” to his people, and they would respond “drinc hael”, which was translated to mean “drink and be healthy”. 

At some point, people began going door to door to offer this greeting to their neighbors. In exchange, they were given drink and food that would normally be reserved for Christmas festivities like mince pie. This exchange was thought to give everyone good luck for the upcoming year. 

The ale drink varied from region to region, but it generally consisted of hot ale, spices, sugar, roasted apples and cream. 

Wassail has been known to be used to anoint apple trees in an effort to ensure a good harvest. Followed by the scaring off of demons and the raising of the Tree Spirit by shooting off shotguns and rattling pots and pans. 

You may commonly see the Holly Man during the Mummer’s parade on the Twelfth Night. 



Since we’re singing and raising a ruckus, let’s add sparkly things and holiday dress to the mix and wave our green and reds to all those that we meet today. 

Let’s go wassailing!

Dog Collar Christmas Bandana
SewAmazin
Christmas Golden Reindeer Over-the-Collar Pet Bandana, Small or XSmall
Celtic Bracelet
SolanaKaiDesigns 
Silver Celtic Bracelet, Celtic Knot Bracelet, Celtic Green Bracelet, Adjustable Length Bracelet, Handmade Sterling Bracelet,
Gingerbread Dog Tag Necklace
BlueMorningExpressions 
Christmas Gingerbread Necklace,  Handmade Necklace, Artisan Jewelry, Fashion Jewelry, Designer Necklace
Holly Bell Christmas Ornament
Kevs Krafts
Holly Bell Shaped Christmas Ornament Handmade From Cherry Wood
Holiday Gift Tags
AdorebyNat
Christmas Tags - Set of 12
Antique Christmas Card
ButterflyintheAttic
Antique Postcard Christmas Poinsettia and Santa Clause - Digital Hand Designed Art - Scrapbooking, Card Making & Crafts - PRINTABLE DOWNLOAD
Candy Cane Earrings
PrettyGonzo
Candy Cane Christmas Earrings with Green Crystal, Red Coral Cluster, Sterling, Handmade
Christmas Beadwoven Bracelet
KatsAllThat
Red Green and Gold Holiday Beadwoven Superduo Cuff Handmade Bracelet
Green and White Dichroic Post Earrings
Umeboshi
Green and White Handmade Dichroic Glass Post Earrings-Sterling Silver
Jingle Bell Earrings
The Singing Beader
Charming Red Jingle Bell Wirewrapped Earrings Surgical Steel Ball post
Green Leaf Charm Bracelet
TreasuresofJewels
Victorian Beaded Bracelet,Pearl Bracelet,Patina Jewelry,Edwardian Jewelry, Fall Jewelry
Green Neckwarmer
Jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Neck Warmer Green Hand Knit Shield Pattern Dark Sage Caron Simply Soft
Hand Knit Red Cowl
CathyCreates

Christmas Holiday Bracelet
Diane’s Dangles

Red Candy Jade Bracelet
Specialtivity
Red Candy Jade Swarovski Crystal Pewter Charms Christmas Bracelet
Niobium Earrings
ElunaJewelry
Tiny Green Niobium Hoop Earrings, Green Backward Hoop Earrings
Table Runner
RSS Designs in Fiber

Lampwork Beads
Covergirlbeads

Soul Journey Encased Glass Lampwork Bead Pair Green Dots Silver - Click Image to Close
Snowman Earrings
ShadowDogDesigns 
Handmade Christmas snowmen earrings created with Swarovski pearls and crystals


Since we’ve already started drinking this Christmas season, let’s commence to shopping! 

Enjoy all of these goodies, and if you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can find more at: 

Week 1
 























All of our handmade designers are ready to make something for you. Just ask them!

Enjoy,
Julie and Blu