It begins with a book

Welcome to the first post of this blog about English folklore, every so often I will delve into the oddities, extremities, murky places and down right fascinating customs, traditions and folklores of England. You are welcome to comment and let me know of things I have missed or misrepresented.

But why revisit all these old customs and traditions? Well, because I think they are interesting, and because those that are still observed are usually a whole lot of fun!

I have also written a small book, or booklet, about one such custom - the burning of the ashen faggot - which is still observed in certain parts of the west country. Here is a small excerpt...

Burning the Ashen Faggot

The pondrous Ashen Faggot from the yard. The jolly farmer to his crowded hall. Conveys with speed; where, on the rising flames (already fed with store of massy brands). It blazes soon; nine bandages it bears, And as they each disjoin (so custom wills), A mighty jug of sparkling cyder's brought, With brandy mixt to elevate the guests.
1795, author unknown.

Devon, modern times

Step into a number of pubs and country houses across the West Country this Christmas Eve and you would be forgiven for thinking you had stepped back in time, possibly by a good two or three hundred years or more. As traditions go, the burning of the Ashen Faggot is not the best known, but it does still have some link to our modern celebrations – the sickly-sweet chocolate Yule log that is itself becoming a thing of the past.

What links an ancient West Country tradition, involving pubs, faggots, song and good cheer with a chocolate dessert you might wonder? To answer that we have to delve back in time to the world of the Saxon and the Viking, and even to the tree of life itself. What today is a communal celebration uniting Christmas cheer, old tradition, carols, song and, of course, a liberal sprinkling of alcohol, has a story that involves the infant Jesus’ first bath, bulls, merry maidens, wassailing and roast boar – although not necessarily in that order...

Having experienced this custom at first-hand a number of times, I can whole heartedly recommend it - if you have a hearth, or fireplace, big enough! More soon...