Each town or village had its own version of the Wassail song, but in Bodmin, there are actually three songs. One of these songs is similar to other Wassail songs in Cornwall, like the Redruth Wassail song. In Bodmin, the small group of Wassailers spend nearly all of Twelfth Night performing in homes, pubs and other places to raise money for charity. Bodmin Wassail was first recorded in 1624 (nearly 400 years ago), meaning that it is one of the oldest celebrations of its kind in Cornwall.
When?
January
Where?
Bodmin
Bodmin Wassail occurs every Twelfth Night. This night is considered the last day of Christmas, and was once one of the big festive celebrations. Bodmin Wassail is an example of a “Visit Wassail”. This is a very old custom, once very popular in Cornwall, where groups of singers carry a bowl full of a specially made drink and visit homes and businesses to celebrate an occasion.
