Events and Community Visits - Iqaluit

December 21, 2005 – Iqaluit: Wassail Holiday Reception

To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.

The Commissioner of Nunavut marked the traditional Christmas holiday Wassail by inviting members of the community to her official residence on Dec. 21.

Wassailing is one of the oldest and enduring Christmas traditions, with reference to it made as early as the 1300s. The word “wassail” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon phrase waes hael, which means “good health.” Originally, wassail was a beverage made of mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, nuts, eggs and spices. It was served for the purpose of enhancing the general merriment of the season.

Wassailing also has a legend to explain its origin. A beautiful Saxon maiden named Rowena presented Prince Vortigen with a bowl of wine while toasting him with the words “Waes hael.”

The Commissioner hopes this will be an annual event. Guests included employees of the Department of the Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Legislative Assembly, and representatives from Piruvik, First Air, Canadian North, Air Nunavut, the RCMP and other members of the Iqaluit community.

To view the complete photo gallery of this event click here.