Stars and Ribbons: Winter Wassailing in Wales

Wassail songs are part of Welsh folk culture, sung at Christmas, the turn of the year, and Twelfth Night to improve the quality of the earth's fertility. This study provides a collection of Welsh songs in their original language, translated into English, and with musical notation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: University of Wales Press

Wassail songs are an integral part of Welsh folk culture, but what exactly are they? When are they sung? Why? And where do stars and pretty ribbons fit in? This study aims to answer these questions by exploring the various forms of winter wassailing found in Wales throughout history and in the present. It specifically focuses on the Welsh poetry written over centuries to celebrate various rituals, most notably at Christmas, the turn of the year, and on Twelfth Night. The winter wassailing was a ritual aimed at improving the quality of the earth's fertility in three specific spheres: land productivity, animal kingdom, and human race.

This volume presents a rich collection of Welsh songs in their original language, translated into English for the first time, along with musical notation. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of these poems and the society in which they were sung.

The tradition of wassailing dates back to ancient times, and it was believed to have been practiced by various cultures around the world. In Wales, it was particularly associated with the harvest season and was seen as a way to ensure a bountiful crop the following year. The ritual involved singing and drinking wassail, a mixture of hot cider, mulled wine, and spices, while walking around fields and orchards, reciting songs and making wishes.

One of the most famous Welsh wassail songs is "Yma o Hyd," which is sung on Twelfth Night. The song is a celebration of the coming of the new year and the end of the old. It is believed to have been written by the poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, who was known for his love of nature and his celebration of the seasons. The song is filled with imagery of the winter season, including snow, ice, and the sound of bells ringing.

Another popular wassail song is "Dy Garw Melyn," which is sung on Christmas Eve. The song is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope that he brings to the world. It is believed to have been written by the poet Rhys ap William, who was known for his religious poetry and his celebration of the Christmas season. The song is filled with imagery of the birth of Christ, including the shepherds, the stars, and the angels.

In addition to these songs, there are many other wassail songs that are sung in Wales throughout the winter season. These songs are often associated with specific rituals, such as the burning of the Yule log or the New Year's Day hunt. They are also often sung in pubs and social gatherings, where they are a way to celebrate the season and to bring people together.

The use of stars and pretty ribbons in wassailing is a tradition that dates back to medieval times. It was believed that by hanging stars and ribbons on trees and bushes, people could attract good luck and prosperity to their homes and farms. The stars were also seen as a symbol of the Christmas season and the hope that it brings.

Today, wassailing is still practiced in some parts of Wales, particularly in rural areas. However, it has become less common over time, and many of the traditional songs and rituals have been lost or forgotten. However, there are still efforts to preserve and promote the tradition, and there are even wassail festivals and events that are held in some areas.

In conclusion, wassail songs are an integral part of Welsh folk culture, and they play a significant role in the celebration of the winter season. These songs are sung to celebrate various rituals, including Christmas, the turn of the year, and Twelfth Night. They are filled with imagery of the winter season, including snow, ice, and the sound of bells ringing. The use of stars and pretty ribbons in wassailing is a tradition that dates back to medieval times and is believed to have been used to attract good luck and prosperity. While wassailing is no longer as common as it once was, it is still practiced in some parts of Wales and is a way to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of the country.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786838247