What's Happening in Cranbury, NJ…

The Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society (CHPS) is presenting a traditional wassail as part of this year’s holiday events in the community.

Wassailing is the practice of people visiting neighborhood homes where they are offered food and drink in exchange for gifts. Carol singing has become part of the tradition in places that still participate in the ancient custom that dates back to the Middle Ages.

At that time, a wassail was a trade between lords and their peasants, seen as charitable giving. The lords supplied the treats while the peasants offered their kindness and generosity through song.

Another type of wassailing involved a progression of well-wishers walking through orchards, drinking cider while reciting poems and songs to ward off evil and encourage a successful harvest.

Wassail guests in Cranbury will be placed into groups to visit four homes in the Shadow Oaks region where each stop will provide them with entertainment and refreshments. The wassail event also includes an online silent auction, proceeds from which will support CHPS and its work to restore heritage buildings and advance public knowledge of the history and preservation of the 325-year-old community.

The wassail is just one of a number of yearly CHPS fundraisers. Tours, fairs, plant sales, and membership drives are other important income-generating activities.

Non-profit groups such as this often rely on Print shops to provide printed materials to promote their events.

The Cranbury Wassail will take place December 14, from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Get a Free Quote for Print