The History of Christmas and Wassailing

Robin Burton


Region:
England
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Professional
Fee:
Paid: 50
Category:
History
Updated:
4th April 2022

This talk looks at what Christmas used to be like before the Victorians messed it up for all of us.

Find out why the Puritans banned it. And find out the history of many of the elements of Christmas which we think of as "traditional" today.

In particular hear about what is probably the most traditional Christmas custom that is still practiced today... the door to door wassailing tradition.

This song is illustrated with pictures and songs

Views: 620 | Enquiries: 4

About Robin Burton

I am a Trustee of Gloucestershire Traditions, Committee Member of Stroud Folk Weekend, and Chairman of Stroud Wassail. This work has included putting together a website of 1500 Gloucestershire songs and tunes and re-starting a Wassailing tradition which, in 2018, attracted 350 performers from around the country.

I also like travel, especially walking the highways and byways of England. I like travelling internationally on my own. That way I get to meet many different types of people and have had many interesting adventures. These have included getting involved in a raft race down the Tugela river in Zululand, going on a jeep safari to the Rock Palace in Yemen and taking part in a yodeling contest in the Black Forest.

I am very interested in all types of wildlife. A few years ago I drove round Botswana and Zimbabwe with a friend in an old Land Rover where we saw all manner of very interesting creatures (and went walking with lions).

I work part time for the IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) negotiating with mobile phone companies for air time. This has taken me to exotic locations like Nepal and Sierra Leone.

Several people have asked me, after seeing my presentation, if I can offer musical entertainment. I can offer myself as a solo act, as part of a duo or as a full blown 5 piece punk folk band. Please just make an enquiry through Speakernet and I will get in touch to discuss the options.

I am currently retired but was a marketing man by profession, working in the worlds of telecommunications and international aid.

My main hobby is music. I sing and play melodeon. I am the lead singer of the Swing Rioters.


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