Preface
A traditional English Christmas song, The Holly and the Ivy holds fused Christian and Pagan metaphors because the two plants embody symbols of Pagan fruitfulness but are also established Christmas decorations for churches utilize ever since the 15th and 16th centuries, repeatedly cited in reports by many churchwardens.
History of The Holly and the Ivy
Holly and ivy was featured in the song, Sans Day Carol. Cecil Sharp (1859–1924) was the very 1st to publish most of the lyrics, together with its melody. A trendy choral arrangement for this Christmas carol was written by Sir Henry Walford Davies. Time and again presented at the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, this song is a favorite for many choirs across the world.
This familiar Christmas song is associated to an old carol titled The Contest of the Ivy and the Holly, which speaks of a dispute involving the traditional symbols of femininity and masculinity correspondingly.
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The Holly and the Ivy Lyrics
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom,
As white as lily flow'r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Saviour:
Refrain
The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good:
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The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn:
Refrain
The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all:
Refrain
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
Refrain
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The Holly and the Ivy Youtube Videos
Watch George Winston Version
Watch Loreena McKennitt Version
Watch Renee Fleming Version
Natalie Cole & José Carreras Version
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The Holly and the Ivy Music Sheet | Guitar Tab
Music sheet source: makingmusicfun.net
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The Holly and the Ivy Chords
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