Gloucestershire Wassail [HL:1454409]

While the song is now usually called the GLOUCESTER WASSAIL and was certainly copied down from a Gloucestershire resident by Ralph Vaughan Williams, it existed in many versions in most of the counties of southern England. The wassail - the blessing of the trees and animals - most likely developed from winter rituals hopefully guaranteeing the return of spring growth and summer abundance. 'Gutsy' playing is needed!