The tune of this ancient anonymous carol is said to be over a thousand years old. The traditional lyrics date to the 17th century when it became a popular English Christmas carol. There are various melodies for the verses, but the most popular is the one first published by Cecil Sharp in the 1911, as supposedly sung to him by a Gloucestershire woman.
The holly and the ivy are traditional Christmas symbols. The holly, which has sharp points all around its edges much like a thorn, represents the Crown of
Thorns that the Savior will wear during His Passion. The berries represent the drops of Blood our Lord Jesus Christ shed. Both are evergreen plants, symbolizing fidelity and immortality, or eternal life in Christ. With their beautiful evergreen leaves, white flowers, and red berries, holly and ivy were used
in medieval times to decorate the churches during the Christmas season.
Listen to The Holly and the Ivy
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
Refrain:
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 flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour.
The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.
The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.
