Christmas Through Art: The Holly And The Ivy

 

The Holly and the Ivy,

When they are both full grown

Of all the trees 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.

Madonna and Child

15th Century Painting

Unidentified Artist

Image courtesy/Barnes Foundation

The holly bears a blossom

As white as any 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.

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 bear a prickle

As sharp as any thorn;

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

For to redeem us all.

The Holly and the Ivy

Now both are full well grown;

Of all the trees 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.

Fifteenth-century English carol