The Holly and the Ivy

1 

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.

2 

The holly bears a blossom,

White as the lily flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our sweet Saviour.

3 

The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

To do poor sinners good.

4 

The holly bears a prickle,

As sharp as any thorn,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

On Christmas day in the morn.

5 

The holly bears a bark,

As bitter as any gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ

For to redeem us all.

6 

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:

The rising of the sun

And the running of the deer,

The playing of the merry organ,

Sweet singing in the choir.

ENGLISH/FRENCH TRADITIONAL CAROL

There are two popular musical settings for these lyrics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy4Vo3_-DQ4&list=RDSy4Vo3_-DQ4&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7eHtDtZ7hs&list=RDl7eHtDtZ7hs&start_radio=1

SYMBOLISM:

In Christianity, holly symbolizes Jesus Christ: its sharp leaves represent the Crown of Thorns, the red berries signify His blood shed for salvation, and its evergreen nature embodies eternal life.