The wassail bowl, a beloved Edenton holiday tradition, is coming to the Cupola House on South Broad Street, Dec. 11 and Dec. 12 with free admission to the historic home and warm wassail.
A SWEET TRADITIONWassail is a traditional English drink made from hot ale, roasted apples, sugar, spices and beaten eggs. Modern versions use apple cider.
During the 18th ad 19th centuries, bowls of wassail symbolized hospitality. The hot drink became associated with the Christmas holidays and carolers would go from house to house, singing their songs and frequently being offered a warm cup of the beverage to fend off the chill.
The wassail bowl has become a tradition at the historic Cupola House where costumed docents offer the drink in adult and alcohol-free versions to guests who visit the house and also partake of mounds of homemade cookies.
This year, visitors will have an extra treat. The original Cupola House 18th century woodwork, tragically sold and stripped for exhibit in the Brooklyn Museum in New York a century ago, is being reinstalled, leaving the original construction of parts of the parlor’s walls exposed for inspection.
More than 1,500 visitors are expected to attend over the festi...