Here We Come A-Wassailing
Wassail is the old English version of 'cheers!'. This carol
originated in Yorkshire, England.
The custom of the 'wassail bowl' filled with punch also evolved and
subsequently children began to carry a token wassail bowl, decorated
with rosemary, when they went carol singing.
Here we
come a-wassailing, among the leaves so green
Here we come a-wandering, so fair to be seen
Love and joy come to you, and to you your wassail too
And God bless you, and send you a happy New Year
And God send you a happy New Year
We are not daily beggers, that beg from door to door
But we are neighbours children whom you have seen before
We have got a little purse of stretching leather skin
We want a little money to line it well within
God bless the master of this house, likewise his mistress too
And all the little children that round the table go
