Ashen faggot
ashen faggot also known ashton fagot old english christmas tradition devon somerset similar yule log related wassail tradition faggot large log bundle ash stick bound nine green length ash band beam preferably tree appropriate moment christmas eve faggot must burnt hearth people watching sing dunster carol ash probably chosen ritual ash tree long pedigree magical association perhaps important yggdrasil norse mythology also known world ash tree christian version use ash mary used wood light fire order wash infant jesus romanian culture thought jesus born field kept warm head ash wassail party pass around bundle ash stick twig branches—the remnant previous year faggot—bound green ash withy placed onto fire done traditionally oldest person room heat created comfort midwinter night binding burst watcher toast drink tradition unmarried woman choosing withy first one whose tie snapped would married next year binding burst bundle fallen loose person plan host festivity next year take one halfburned ash stick save following christmas go centre ashen faggot tradition symbolizes continuity life endures resurrected many place winter issue devon talk claim harbour inn axmouth annually build ashen faggot six foot high three foot wide huge fireplace tradition survives pub border devon somerset squirrel inn laymore one celebrated evening th january year old christmas eve ritual centre ashen faggot around twelve foot length bound approximately dozen withy beginning evening butt faggot placed rear fireplace fire already ablaze bet placed length time usually several hour last binding burst closest estimate winning prize proceeds going charity taunton early th century ashen faggot ball held st december believed household burn ashen faggot would face year bad luck misfortune version suggest ashen faggot kept house would keep away devil evil spirit shirley collins song ashen faggot wassail topic album adieu old england celebration tradition wassail cultural aspect ash tree wassail game online burning ashen faggot song mp format house wassailing devon talk winter pdf format