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The Holly and the Ivy (trad​.​)

from Dancing Day: songs for Christmas and Yule by Merry Hadaway

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about

The tradition of "holly" and "ivy" songs appears to be an ancient one in Britain. There is a theory that at one time, women and men would have a song battle, with the women defending ivy as the best of the two plants, and the men defending holly. If the theory is right, we mostly only have holly songs left, and this is of course the best known.

With its Christian verses, decidedly Pagan chorus, and unashamedly botanical imagery, “The Holly and the Ivy” is a carol that is particularly dear to me! I've never been a huge fan of the best-known tune, however, and was delighted to come across this one. It's traditional, and one of those collected by Cecil Sharp, in this case in 1911, from a Mrs Kilford of Lilleshall, Shropshire.

lyrics

1.
The holly and the ivy
When they are both full-grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holy bears the crown.

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

credits

from Dancing Day: songs for Christmas and Yule, released December 6, 2014

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about

Merry Hadaway image

Merry Hadaway Stonehaven, UK

Folk singer, ukulele player and songwriter. Queer, disabled, trans, Christo-Pagan, powered by waves and mountains. :-)

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