Originally Posted by hopflower

Actually, the toast part is right, but the cider part is not completely correct. Wassail is a traditional English custom that originally involves ale, or beer; which is England's national drink (besides tea, which came much later). Cider drinking came about only within certain counties in the southwest. It's an offering to the Spirit of the Apple Trees or God to ensure a good harvest the next year. It is ancient in origin. Nowadays, people make it with almost any alcoholic drink. It is good, however.