On the traditional Twelfth Night (17th Jan in the old calendar) Crook Morris of Kendal re-established
what was once a common sight in many parts of the countryside at the end of the old year: the heralding-in
of the New Year, namely Wassailing – derived from the Old English words meaning ‘good
health’. It is the practice of singing and dancing, often in an orchard, to celebrate Twelfth
Night. The custom involved visiting a chosen apple tree (or in our case a damson tree) in an attempt
to frighten away evil spirits, or to waken the good spirits of the orchard. Wheat fields and cattle
were also ‘wassailed’.
The ceremony took place in the orchard of damson growers Mr & Mrs John Walker of The Row in the
Lyth Valley. Master of Ceremonies, Simon Gillow, let the proceedings with great gusto. After singing
the Cornish Wassail to our kind hosts everyone processed to the orchard and walked round the tree
banging drums, blowing whistles and generally making as much noise as possible to frighten away those
evil spirits. After saying the poem ‘The Wren’ and singing ‘The King’ Simon
addressed the tree and hung a miniature wren in an ornate cage in its branches. Mark Jackson poured
liquid on its roots and the wassailing cup, which was specially made for Crook by potter Sheila Mason,
was passed round. Pieces of toast were dunked in the liquid and hung on the tree by everyone after
they had taken their sip. Delicious Wassailing cake provided by Judy Malkin was offered and Crook
Morris then performed dances with guests John O’Gaunt Morris from Lancaster.
Somerset Wassail was sing as we departed from our hosts and celebrations continued at the Hare & Hounds,
Bowland Bridge with the performance of a ‘Mummers’ Play’. The Mummers’ Play
is a folk play that used to be popular throughout the whole of England in various forms. The word ‘Mummer’ possibly
came from the Greek word ‘Mommo’, meaning a mask, the wearing of which became popular
at royal functions in the 14th century, the practice of such being termed ‘Momerie’. Traditionally,
the performance itself begins with an introduction, usually by Father Christmas, who also clears space
in the venue for the play to be performed. The play then moves on to a hero combat with two combatants,
who differ from play to play, such as Saint (or King) George, a Turk, a soldier, a dragon and various
ruffians. Much boasting of martial prowess by the combatants occurs before and after the fight. The
person who is ‘killed’ is always brought back to life by a quack doctor who first boasts
of his skill in medicine. The play ends with a plea for money from the audience and then usually a
song or Mummers carol.
More dancing and the singing of Wassail songs followed, with a second performance of the play and
a music session. The event, which was dedicated to Dave Hicks, a member of Crook Morris who recently
passed away, was organised by Judy & Chris Malkin. Ann Marshall collected on the day and £80
was raised. Together with a donation by Crook Morris, we hope to give over £300 to Kirkby Stephen
Mountain Rescue team, of which Dave Hicks was a member.
Crook Morris practise on Monday evenings from
October to March at the Nether Hall in Kendal. If anyone is interested in joining us or would like
more information contact Martyn Harvey on 01539 720551 or email
On the traditional Twelfth Night (17th Jan in the old calendar) Crook Morris of Kendal re-established
what was once a common sight in many parts of the countryside at the end of the old year: the heralding-in
of the New Year, namely Wassailing – derived from the Old English words meaning ‘good
health’. It is the practice of singing and dancing, often in an orchard, to celebrate Twelfth
Night. The custom involved visiting a chosen apple tree (or in our case a damson tree) in an attempt
to frighten away evil spirits, or to waken the good spirits of the orchard. Wheat fields and cattle
were also ‘wassailed’.
The ceremony took place in the orchard of damson growers Mr & Mrs John Walker of The Row in the
Lyth Valley. Master of Ceremonies, Simon Gillow, let the proceedings with great gusto. After singing
the Cornish Wassail to our kind hosts everyone processed to the orchard and walked round the tree
banging drums, blowing whistles and generally making as much noise as possible to frighten away those
evil spirits. After saying the poem ‘The Wren’ and singing ‘The King’ Simon
addressed the tree and hung a miniature wren in an ornate cage in its branches. Mark Jackson poured
liquid on its roots and the wassailing cup, which was specially made for Crook by potter Sheila Mason,
was passed round. Pieces of toast were dunked in the liquid and hung on the tree by everyone after
they had taken their sip. Delicious Wassailing cake provided by Judy Malkin was offered and Crook
Morris then performed dances with guests John O’Gaunt Morris from Lancaster.
Somerset Wassail was sing as we departed from our hosts and celebrations continued at the Hare & Hounds,
Bowland Bridge with the performance of a ‘Mummers’ Play’. The Mummers’ Play
is a folk play that used to be popular throughout the whole of England in various forms. The word ‘Mummer’ possibly
came from the Greek word ‘Mommo’, meaning a mask, the wearing of which became popular
at royal functions in the 14th century, the practice of such being termed ‘Momerie’. Traditionally,
the performance itself begins with an introduction, usually by Father Christmas, who also clears space
in the venue for the play to be performed. The play then moves on to a hero combat with two combatants,
who differ from play to play, such as Saint (or King) George, a Turk, a soldier, a dragon and various
ruffians. Much boasting of martial prowess by the combatants occurs before and after the fight. The
person who is ‘killed’ is always brought back to life by a quack doctor who first boasts
of his skill in medicine. The play ends with a plea for money from the audience and then usually a
song or Mummers carol.