To the Editor,
In the realm of cherished holiday traditions, the Claymation Christmas Special starring the iconic California Raisins stands out as a nostalgic and often overlooked gem. Hosted by whimsical claymation dinosaurs, the show seamlessly weaves together musical performances related to the holiday season. However, a recurring interruption featuring a rendition of the Wassail Song piques curiosity and sets the stage for an exploration into the forgotten depths of this once-prominent Christmas tradition.
A Taste of Pagan Christmas
Initially, Wassail is presented in the Claymation Christmas Special through amusing depictions of geese waddling, pigs waffling, and mischievous elves engaging in the ancient practice of wassailing. The concept of Wassail as a mere act of caroling becomes the focal point, leading to a humorous misunderstanding. This intrigue leads to a surprising discovery during a routine grocery run at Aldi, where a beverage labeled “Holiday Wassail” beckons from the shelf.
Curiosity piqued, the decision is made to explore the flavor of this elusive “Pagan Christmas” concoction. Described as a spice-flavored juice beverage blend, Wassail captivates with its unique taste—50% spicy Christmas and 50% pagan woodsy smell. The beverage, however, proves divisive among gender lines, with men reveling in its taste and proposing spirited mixology with vodka or rum, while women remain unconvinced.
Unraveling the historical tapestry of Wassail reveals its diverse roots. Originating as a pagan tradition aimed at ensuring fertility for the upcoming year, Wassail transformed over time into a holiday marked by drinking, fighting and caroling. Subsequent evolutions saw the tradition mature into a refined celebration, with a blend of drinking, caroling, and the infusion of Christian elements. The Victorian era further sanitized Wassail into a genteel Christmas caroling affair, losing some of the festive chaos that once defined it.
A Call for a Midwest Wassail Society
In the midst of modern-day holiday routines marked by isolation and digital disconnection, there arises a call to resurrect the Wassail tradition. In this proposal, the suggestion is made for the establishment of a “Midwest Wassail Society” to reintroduce this vibrant tradition to contemporary society. The emphasis lies not only on reviving the joyous revelry of our ancestors but also on fostering community connections that have become increasingly elusive.
In envisioning this revival, Wassail is positioned as a remedy to the isolation that modernity imposes. The proposed society serves as a conduit for neighbors to gather, socialize and share in the communal merriment, akin to the spirited celebrations of yesteryears. While acknowledging the need to temper certain aspects of Wassail’s history, personally, I advocate for the reintegration of the tradition, placing an emphasis on its original spirit of joyous camaraderie.
In conclusion, the forgotten tradition of Wassail, as unearthed through the lens of the Claymation Christmas Special, carries with it the potential for a modern renaissance. Beyond a mere revival, the proposition of a Midwest Wassail Society is a call to action—a call to reinstate a tradition that bridges generations, fosters community bonds, and rekindles the joyous spirit of celebration that has, perhaps regrettably, faded into the background of contemporary holiday festivities. It beckons us to drink, to sing, and to make merry as our ancestors did, providing a much-needed antidote to the solitude of modern times.
Charles D. Thomas
Greenfield
