2-914-131 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

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.