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Wassailing apple trees with hot cider in Devonshire on twelfth eve, 1861
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Wassailing apple trees with hot cider in Devonshire on twelfth eve, 1861
Wassailing apple trees with hot cider in Devonshire on twelfth eve, 1861. A print from The Illustrated London News, (12 January 1861)
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Media ID 14914046
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from 1861 takes us back to a time when ancient traditions intertwined with the joyous spirit of Christmas. In Devonshire, on twelfth eve, men gather around apple trees, their lanterns casting a warm glow against the wintry backdrop. This enchanting scene depicts the age-old practice of wassailing - an act of blessing and celebrating the fruit-bearing trees. As they stand beneath the bare branches, these men partake in a sacred ritual that blends Christianity with remnants of pagan beliefs. Holding cups filled with hot cider, they raise their voices in song and recite incantations to ensure a bountiful harvest for the coming year. The scent of apples fills the air as laughter mingles with reverence. The print captures not only this unique custom but also reflects Victorian sensibilities through its monochrome aesthetic. It serves as a reminder of simpler times when nature played an integral role in people's lives and religious celebrations were deeply rooted in community bonds. Preserved by The Illustrated London News, this image transports us back to nineteenth-century England where tradition met innovation through engravings like this one. It allows us to appreciate how our ancestors found solace and meaning during winter months while fostering connections between man and nature. Today, let this print serve as both an homage to our rich cultural heritage and a gentle nudge towards cherishing our own customs amidst modernity's hustle and bustle.
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