Wassailing is a collection of folk traditions to bring communities together and encourage a good harvest. Ceremonies include pouring cider or ale over the roots of the biggest tree and placing toasted bread into the branches. In Luton, the Wassail is organised by local residents and Friends of People's Park, Edible High Town and Luton Orchards.
Konni Deppe, the event organiser, welcomed and thanked everyone to join in encouraging a good harvest this year. Konni introduced some names of the wonderful fruit trees growing in the People’s Park Community Orchard.
Konni said, “A group of local people thought having an orchard would be a good idea, and it became a reality when in 2019, it was planted with the help of many volunteers. More trees were added in 2022 at the bottom of the orchard by the Peace Garden Initiative”. It was about planting trees in the memory of those who died of Covid-19 in Luton.
The orchard lies beneath a lynchet, a step-like terrace on a hillside formed by ancient farming. Konni said, “Formed by people farming here hundreds of years ago, we're in a good tradition here, our orchard follows in this local food growing tradition.”
Thinking back to last year, the Wassail King Alan shared “It was the very first Luton Wassailing, and we had a very good harvest, not just in the People’s Park Orchard but across the whole of Luton. We had an absolute bumper apple crop.”
Later, everyone was invited to join in singing together, and becoming part of a procession through the orchard with the Extinction Rebellion Drummers. People were invited to bring pots and wooden spoons to make a noise, and wear something green or red.
A traditional Wassling song included the words – Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail, too, and God bless you, and send you a Happy New Year.
The word wassail is derived from the Anglo-Saxon "wes hal" meaning "be whole", or "good health". Wassailing traditionally took place on the Twelfth Night after Christmas but dates for the celebration are now more flexible, with ceremonies taking place throughout January.
To get involved in your local park and orchard, you can message Friends of People's Park on Facebook, or email konni@lutonorchards.org
Extinction Rebellion Drummers leading the Luton Wassail procession through the People’s Park Community Orchard
Louise Brown of Friends of the Earth (L) & Miriam Daniel of Love Music Hate Racism (R) at Luton Wassail celebration event at People’s Park.
Konni Deppe, Luton Wassail event organiser leading a Wassail song with Alan, the Wassail King (L) and Nigel the Wassail Musician (R)
