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Here We Come A-wassailing facts for kids

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Here We Come A-wassailing is a classic English Christmas carol and New Year song. People traditionally sang it while going door-to-door. This was called wassailing. They would wish good health and exchange gifts. The song is also known by names like Here We Come A-Caroling or Wassail Song. It's a very old and popular folk song.

The History of Wassailing Songs

This song has been around since at least the mid-1800s. It might even be much older than that. The "a-" part in "a-wassailing" is an old way of saying "doing something." Think of "a-hunting" in "A-Hunting We Will Go."

Long ago in England, especially around Christmas, rich people often felt more generous. Groups of people, sometimes those in need, would go through the snowy streets. They would sing cheerful songs and offer good wishes. In return, they hoped to get a drink from a "wassail bowl." They might also receive a penny, a pork pie, or a warm spot by the fire.

What is a Wassail Bowl?

A wassail bowl was a special drink. It was a warm mix of ale or beer, apples, spices, and mead. It was a way to share warmth and good cheer during the cold winter holidays.

Different Versions of the Song

Over time, this song has changed a bit. There are many different versions.

"Here We Come A-Christmasing"

One common version is called "Here We Come A-Christmasing." In this one, the word "wassail" is simply replaced with "Christmas."

"Here We Come A-Caroling"

Another popular version, often sung in America, starts with "Here we come a-caroling." Sometimes, parts of the original lyrics are left out. The chorus might also change to "And a merry Christmas too" or "And to you glad tidings too."

Other names for similar songs include "We've Been a While-A-Wandering" and "Yorkshire Wassail Song."

Traditional Collected Versions

Many people have collected different versions of wassailing songs. Cecil Sharp collected dozens of them in England in the early 1900s. These show how the song was sung differently in various places.

The song also traveled to the United States with English settlers. It has been found and recorded in the Appalachian Mountains.

Lyrics

Like most old carols, the words can vary. Here is one common version of the lyrics. The verses are usually sung at a different speed than the chorus.

Here we come a-wassailing
Among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring
So fair to be seen.

REFRAIN:
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.

Our wassail cup is made
Of the rosemary tree,
And so is your beer
Of the best barley.

REFRAIN

We are not daily beggars
That beg from door to door;
But we are neighbours' children,
Whom you have seen before.

REFRAIN

Call up the butler of this house,
Put on his golden ring.
Let him bring us up a glass of beer,
And better we shall sing.

REFRAIN

We have got a little purse
Of stretching leather skin;
We want a little of your money
To line it well within.

REFRAIN

Bring us out a table
And spread it with a cloth;
Bring us out a mouldy cheese,
And some of your Christmas loaf.

REFRAIN

God bless the master of this house
Likewise the mistress too,
And all the little children
That round the table go.

REFRAIN

Good master and good mistress,
While you're sitting by the fire,
Pray think of us poor children
Who are wandering in the mire.

REFRAIN

Popular Recordings

Many famous artists and groups have performed "Here We Come A-wassailing."

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