Of all the popular Christmas carols, The Holly and the Ivy seems to have the most in common with the pre-Christian Germanic celebration of Yuletide during the winter solstice, which would have occurred right around December 25th. This is thought to be the origin of traditions like the Christmas tree and the Christmastime wreath, which were Yuletide symbols surrounding celebrations of fertility.

Mediaeval Baebes performing The Holly and the Ivy.

First published in a broadside in 1710, The Holly and the Ivy connects the medieval symbolism of the holly plant with early Christianity where it’s been a popular advent decoration since the 15th Century. According to historians, the ivy represents the Virgin Mary and the holly represents Christ, with it’s thorns, flame-like shape, and bright, vibrant colors that bloom during the Christmastime season. Although the first printing of the carol was 1710, it was anthologized as a much older folk song. Several versions, including one in a Tudor collection set to a melody by Henry VIII, indicate multiple lyrical variations and some verses lost to time.

Lyrics

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.
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 the lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our sweet Saviour.
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 berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to do us sinners good.
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 prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.
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 bark,
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.

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.
The rising of the sun
And the running of the deer,
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.