Propitating

 Ah-ha 'propitating' is my newest word and it means to win or regain the favour of the Gods/Spirits/People by doing something which pleases them and fancy as it sounds, it was that very thing we have now done. In this country's folklore it's the Apple Tree Man who looks after the health of our orchards and ensures that the crop is good. Now I don't personally know whether he's partial to a few pieces of cider soaked toast, but that's what he gets in the wassailing custom at this time of year.  For one night only we scare away all those pesky nasty little spirits who have snuck back in since last year's apple howling and if left unattended. get up to no good and then once our job is done, we pass the responsibility back to the fellow and leave it in his very capable hands.

Last night was our own annual apple howling which we've been running ourselves on behalf of a local community orchard for a few years now. When we first started we probably had about 60 people come and we were a bit rough and ready. However, our squire put together a proper ceremony for us soon after and these days we know what we're doing. It's a free event, but there's a bucket collection to help the orchard continue its fabulous work. Last year we hit 200 attendees and this year we had an even bigger turnout. The big circle in the orchard was six deep in places. It's quite a feeling to share music, dance and song with so many and there's definitely a hunger in this modern tech age of ours for this type of experience. Just the right combination of controlled [sort of] mayhem and magic🌟🍎🍏🍻 We can't wait to do it all again next year!

I managed a paltry number of photos [was kind of rather busy] and my 10 year old steam powered phone took its time deciding whether it felt like taking them or not, but it didn't do too badly all things considered. Despite the big boots and the scary masks the lady with the red cloak and fairy lights undoubtedly outshone us all 💛

It is one of my favourite evenings of the year....relaxing and oodles of fun all topped off with singing and a music session in the local pub afterwards as we come off duty and wind down together.

Arilx