Wassailing is an old winter time tradition from the apple growing regions of southern England. It involves traveling around the local orchards singing and toasting the apple trees to encourage them to bear a good crop. Apple trees are everywhere in this region, even in the heart of Seattle. Sound and Fury, a local group of Morris dancers, hold an annual wassail to celebrate this beloved fruit.
In a special free event at the Meridian playing field this Saturday, January 6 from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, members of the public are invited to join in the celebrations. Cider and apple cake will be shared, songs sung, and a huge ring of dancers of all ages circle around the the heritage apple trees. It is a colorful, family friendly event that helps us all reconnect with the natural world around us.
(Photo by Doug Plummer, all rights reserved)