Yuletide and Wassailing

The 8th century Anglo-Saxon historian Bede wrote that in pre-Christian England

'The first month, which the Latins call January, is [called] Giuli'; February is called Solmonath; March Hrethmonath; April, Eosturmonath; May, Thrimilchi; June, Litha; July, also Litha; August, Weodmonath; September, Halegmonath; October, Winter¢lleth; November, Blodmo- nath;…