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Cutting the Ashen Fagots; Devonshire, 1854. Creator: Edmund Evans
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Cutting the Ashen Fagots; Devonshire, 1854. Creator: Edmund Evans
Cutting the Ashen Fagots; Devonshire, 1854. Old English Christmas tradition. A faggot (large log or a bundle of ash sticks) is bound with nine green lengths of ash bands or beams, preferably all from the same tree. The faggot must be burnt in a hearth on Christmas Eve, while people sing Christmas carols. The ash is said to be the only wood that will burn green, and it is the policy of the wood-cutters to lay as many "binds" upon the fagot as possible, as it is an old established custom that every "bind" should represent a jug of cider, not that this is the limitation of quantity consumed on the occasion, only that this is part the ceremonial. A hot supper is usually provided, and the wives and children of the labourers and servants, together with the farmer and his family form a jocund party, and there is no end of good solid cheer and hearty enjoyment, which lasts far into the Christmas morning'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854
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Media ID 36246169
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Annual Bundle Christmas Christmas Eve Edmund Evans Edmund William Evans Evans Edmund Evans Edmund William Faggot Fagot Firewood Gate Pitchfork Tools Tradition Typical Way In Five Bar Gate
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "Cutting the Ashen Fagots; Devonshire, 1854," offers a glimpse into an Old English Christmas tradition that has been passed down through generations. The image showcases a group of people gathered around a large bundle of ashen fagots, bound with nine green lengths of ash bands or "beams." According to the text from "Illustrated London News," the faggot, which could be a large log or a bundle of ash sticks, must be burnt in a hearth on Christmas Eve while people sing Christmas carols. The significance of the ash wood lies in its unique property to burn green, making it an essential component of this age-old custom. The wood-cutters would lay as many "binds" upon the fagot as possible, each representing a jug of cider. However, this was not a limitation on the quantity consumed on the occasion, but rather a part of the ceremonial tradition. The scene depicted in this photograph is filled with warmth and merriment. A hot supper is prepared, and the wives and children of the laborers and servants, along with the farmer and his family, come together to form a jovial party. The evening is filled with good solid cheer and hearty enjoyment, which lasts far into the Christmas morning. Edmund Evans, the creator of this photograph, captured the essence of this Old English Christmas tradition in this single image. The image not only showcases the significance of the ashen fagots but also the communal spirit and joy that surrounds the celebration of Christmas in rural England during the mid-19th century.
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