Gone Medieval Podcast Summary: "Gone Medieval Goes Wassailing"

Release Date: January 17, 2025

Host: Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega

Introduction to Wassailing

In the episode titled "Gone Medieval Goes Wassailing," hosts Matt Lewis and Dr. Eleanor Jaenega venture to Gray's Cider Farm in Halstow, Devon, to participate in the Halstow Wassail—a revival of the ancient tradition of wassailing. The hosts set the scene by describing the picturesque Devon countryside, emphasizing the deep connection between the community and its cider-making heritage.

Notable Quote:

"Wassailing is the tradition of singing to bless the trees for a good apple harvest."
— Dr. Eleanor Jaenega (04:39)

History and Evolution of Wassailing

Jim Causley, a key figure in the Halstow Wassail, provides an insightful overview of the tradition's origins and its transformation over time. He explains that wassailing, derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase "vas hael" meaning "be of good health," historically involved both blessing the orchards and engaging in door-to-door singing to secure goodwill from local lords.

Notable Quote:

"So we're going to celebrate the ancient practice of wassailing. The revellers emerge from the shadows... a simple toast would evolve over centuries into a complex tradition that blended celebration, superstition and community spirit."
— Matt Lewis (09:45)

The Modern Halstow Wassail

The episode delves into the contemporary rendition of wassailing at Gray's Cider Farm, highlighting its establishment in 2020 by artist Simon Pope. This modern incarnation focuses on celebrating the unseen elements of cider making, such as molds, bacteria, and yeasts, thereby bridging medieval practices with modern scientific understanding.

Notable Quote:

"Simon Pope... wanted to celebrate the more unseen elements in traditional cider making, like the mould and bacteria and fungi and the yeasts that are in the air."
— Jim Causley (08:37)

The Cider Process

Theo Gray, representing the 13th generation of his family cider-making lineage at Gray's Cider Farm, discusses the meticulous traditional cider-making process. Emphasizing natural fermentation without artificial additives, Theo underscores the sustainability and authenticity of their craft.

Notable Quote:

"All of the yeast that we end up using is naturally occurring in our cider apples."
— Theo Gray (30:33)

Community Involvement and Significance

The podcast highlights the pivotal role of community in sustaining the wassailing tradition. Participants like Bill and David Ashby share their personal connections to wassailing, emphasizing its role in fostering community bonds and celebrating local heritage.

Notable Quote:

"It's a community gathering which is really important. They don't get enough of them."
— Bill (37:14)

Crafting the Wassail Bowl

Abigail North, a local ceramicist, discusses the creation of the communal wassail bowl used in the ceremony. Made from clay sourced directly from Gray's Farm, the bowl symbolizes the deep connection between the earth, the trees, and the community's cider-making tradition.

Notable Quote:

"It was just a case of making some different shapes to see what would work best. And that's what happened, really."
— Abigail North (42:07)

Ceremonial Rituals and Practices

The episode provides a vivid account of the wassailing ceremony, including the singing of traditional songs, the communal drinking from the wassail bowl, and the symbolic actions performed to bless the orchards and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Notable Quote:

"It's the word wassail echoes through the night, its origins rooted in the old Norse phrase vas heel, meaning good health."
— Matt Lewis (10:00)

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Wassailing

As the ceremony concludes, hosts reflect on the enduring nature of wassailing and its significance in modern times. They emphasize the importance of preserving such traditions, which not only honor the past but also strengthen community bonds and celebrate the intricate relationship between humans and nature.

Notable Quote:

"It's a testament to the enduring human need for warmth, community and good cheer in the depths of winter. And also of cider."
— Matt Lewis (46:00)

Key Takeaways:

• Wassailing is an ancient tradition aimed at blessing apple orchards to ensure a good harvest, blending celebration with community spirit.
• The modern Halstow Wassail integrates traditional practices with contemporary understanding of fermentation and microbiology.
• Community involvement is crucial in sustaining and reviving such traditions, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity.
• The creation of a local wassail bowl from farm-sourced clay symbolizes the deep-rooted connection between the community, the land, and their cider-making heritage.
• Preserving traditions like wassailing serves to honor historical practices while adapting to modern values of sustainability and community cohesion.

For a visual journey and deeper insights, listeners are encouraged to watch the accompanying History Hit documentary on medieval winter celebrations, linked in the episode's show notes.