Creative Action: Days 18 and 19 - Apple Tree Wassail

Yesterday and today I began learning a new song.  It is the Apple Tree Wassail, also known as Old Apple Tree.  The words and music were collected by Cecil Sharp from William Crockford, of Bratton, Minehead according to this helpful website.  Cecil published this and many other songs in his Folk-songs from Somerset in 1904.  I found the song in my new book, Make Merry in Step and Song, which, unfortunately, fails to include such citations.  I like to know as much as I can about the songs I sing, it allows for a richer connection to it's essence.

While I'm still learning about the history and purpose of wassailing in England, I love the idea of singing and making incantations to plants in order to encourage abundance in the future harvest.  This wassailing tradition usually takes place at the New Year, however, I figure it's never too late to offer blessings and well wishes to something that gives back so generously, like an apple tree.  I think I will find one such tree once I've properly learned this song, and practice my wassailing, perhaps with a few friends in tow.  I would also like to record the song and post it on here.  For now, here is an interesting clip on the tradition of wassailing and another clip of the song itself.