Wassail comes from the Middle English waes haeil (c. 1205), which means 'be in good health' or 'be fortunate'. Wassailing was the Old English custom of toasting the holiday and each other's health.
Interesting. I wonder why English-speakers don't toast one another's health anymore. - Unless you count "Cheers"? The default Russian toast is "To your health", and health has a place in every list of good wishes for New Year's, for birthdays, and so on.
And Merry Christmas to you too!
Posted by PF at December 25, 2003 10:12 PMPerhaps because English-speakers mostly don't live in fear of epidemics anymore.
Posted by Anton Sherwood at December 29, 2003 05:31 PMhelloween is better....
Posted by g0thica at January 5, 2004 09:59 PM