Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Medieval Tradition of Twelfth Night is Celebrated with Wassailing and White Magick Alchemy's Winter Wassail Punch ~

In Old England, The Twelfth Night marked the end of a winter festival that started on Samhain. The Lord of Misrule symbolizes the world turning upside down with the coming of winter. In the middle ages, the Twelfth Night began on the eve of December 25th moving forward 12 days to January 6th, hence the name the twelve days of Christmas. How far back the tradition dates back in unknown, but it has undeniable connections with Anglo-Saxon pagan ritual.

Twelfth Night was the final frenzy of feasting, drinking and merry making before the townspeople returned to daily life for the remainder of winter. A grand cake was the focus of the celebratory feast as well as Wassail, the drink of good wishes and holiday cheer. The ale-based drink seasoned with spices, fruits, sugars and honey was served in huge silver or pewter bowls. The punch was passed amongst family members and friends with the greeting "Wassail", the Old English term meaning "be well."


The long forgotten tradition of Wassailing was something I wanted to bring back in honor of these ancient old world ways. Last year, White Magick Alchemy debuted its Winter Wassail Punch Spices and Fruits and this year, the merriment begins again!

White Magick Alchemy's Winter Wassail Punch is a blending of traditional Wassail fruits and winter spices. Organic orange peel, organic cinnamon, organic ginger, organic cloves organic raw sugar, and organic winter spices, each jar comes with a cinnamon stick to add to the brew. Add slices of fresh apples or oranges to the brew or use apple and orange slices as a garnish when serving. Cranberries are also a traditional addition to this ancient brew.

To use, simply place the spice mix into a cauldron or pot with apple cider, wine or ale. Simmer and brew on low until the desired taste is reached. Strain the brewing herbs and serve warm. YUM!

To use as an aromatic home brew, fill a cauldron or simmering pot with about 2 cups of water. Add the brew and simmer on low heat. If simmering for a longer period of time, make sure to add more water to the mix. This 8 ounce glass jar of Winter Wassail Punch Spices will brew appox 8 to 10 pots of Wassail Punch. This year our Wassail comes in an adorable reusable corked glass jar with wooden spoon. ~ Enjoy!

I love winter!
Click the link below and be directed to White Magick Alchemy's Traditional Winter Wassail Punch ~
http://www.whitemagickalchemy.com/winter-wassail-punch-spices-fruits-holiday-wassail-spices-for-cider-and-wine-white-magick-alchemy/

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