TOASTING THE APPLE TREE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 23 December 1922, Page 7

TOASTING THE APPLE TREE

In Devonshire there is an important ceremony to be observed on the eve of Twelfth Day by fanners and owners of orchards, which ms thought to ensure a goodly crop of apples in the autumn. Every fruit tree was surrounded by a little company drawn together for the occasion, and this toast was heartily drunk three times in cider:—

Here's to thee, old apple tree, Whence thou mayst bud, and whence thou mayst blow I And whence thou mayst bear apples enow! Hats full! caps full, .Bushels—bushels—sacks full, And my pockets full, too! Thou all gave a great huzza! and made for the house. But, agreeable to custom, they found the door barred against them, and admittance was only granted when a. true answer was returned to the question of the women folk within:—‘What meat is on the spit?" _ This was generally a novel and dainty bit, and became the prize of him who guessed correctly. Feasting was then indulged in, and rustic merriment, which continued till night was far spent.