A CEREMONY lost in the mists of hallowed antiquity took place in Exminster last Saturday to ensure a bountiful supply of apples from the village orchard. 

The Wassail ceremony was organised by Exminster Green Spaces and numerous residents, many festooned with greenery, tuned out to take part and supported the event and help keep the ancient custom alive.

The word ‘wassail’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon greeting waes hael, which means ‘good health’ and  purpose of wassailing is to awake the cider apple trees and to scare away evil spirits to ensure a good harvest of fruit in autumn.

Eleanor Maynard making a noise to force out any unwanted spirits from the trees.
Eleanor Maynard making a noise to force out any unwanted spirits from the trees. (MDA / Steve Pope)

The trees themselves were toasted - literally in this case, with pieces of toast soaked in cider, pressed on to branches.

The Squire of Beltane Morris lead the afternoon ceremony, which was kicked off by dancing from Glory of the West Morris, and music was provided by Sid Vale Folk Choir who sang a selection of traditional and modern folk songs to serenade the participants and trees.