THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

Trad.

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 holly bears a berry

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do all 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.

From the Oxford book of Carols