Holly and the Ivy 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.

Chorus:
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,
white as the lily flower,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
to be our sweet Saviour. [Chorus]

The holly bears a berry,
as red as any blood,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
to do poor sinners good. [Chorus]

The holly bears a prickle,
as sharp as any thorn,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
on Christmas day in the morn. [Chorus]

The holly bears a bark,
as bitter as any gall,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
for to redeem us all. [Chorus]

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. [Chorus]

The History and Mystery of “The Holly and the Ivy”

“The Holly and the Ivy” is a Christmas carol that, for many, conjures images of ancient churches, hushed candlelight services, and the deep, resonant tones of a traditional choir. Its lyrics are deceptively simple, weaving together natural imagery with profound Christian symbolism. Yet, beneath its seemingly straightforward message lies a rich tapestry of history, folklore, and cultural evolution that makes this carol far more complex and captivating than a casual listen might suggest. This blog post will delve deep into the origins of the song, explore its symbolic layers, trace its journey through notable recordings and literary mentions, and examine its enduring presence in popular media, demonstrating why this timeless carol continues to bear the crown among winter’s musical offerings.

Deep Roots: Ancient Origins and Pagan Whispers

Unlike many popular carols with clear authors and dates, “The Holly and the Ivy” emerged from the murky depths of oral tradition, evolving over centuries. Its true genesis lies not in a single moment of inspiration, but in the echoes of pre-Christian winter solstice celebrations.

Before the advent of Christianity in Northern Europe, evergreens like holly and ivy held immense significance. In the bleakest months of winter, when deciduous trees shed their leaves and the land lay dormant, these hardy plants represented life, endurance, and the promise of spring’s return. They were brought into homes to ward off evil spirits, ensure fertility, and celebrate the gradual lengthening of days after the shortest day of the year.

Specifically, the holly and the ivy often played distinct symbolic roles:

Holly (Masculine Principle): With its sharp, protective leaves and vibrant red berries appearing in winter, holly was often associated with masculinity, protection, and the returning light. Its prickles were believed to ward off evil.
Ivy (Feminine Principle): The clinging, intertwining nature of ivy, which often relies on other trees for support, linked it to femininity, fidelity, and enduring connection.

In many ancient European folk traditions, particularly in England, the holly and the ivy were personified and engaged in a symbolic “contest” or dialogue, often debated through songs and rituals during winter festivities. These songs would pit “King Holly” against “Queen Ivy” in a playful rivalry for supremacy. This pagan bedrock is crucial to understanding why the carol begins by proclaiming, “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.” This opening verse is a direct echo of those ancient traditions, albeit repurposed.

Christian Reinterpretation: From Pagan Plant to Sacred Symbol

As Christianity gradually spread and absorbed existing traditions, many pagan symbols and festivals were reinterpreted through a Christian lens. The winter solstice celebration became Christmas, and evergreen plants, particularly holly, found new significance.

It’s believed that the Christianization of the carol began orally, with minstrels and common folk gradually layering new meanings onto familiar imagery. The earliest written versions of carols featuring holly and ivy can be traced back to the fifteenth century, but these are generally more rudimentary and less explicitly religious than the version we know today.

The version of “The Holly and the Ivy” that is now ubiquitous largely owes its widespread popularity to the meticulous efforts of Cecil Sharp, a pioneering English folk music collector. In 1911, Sharp published his arrangement of the carol in English Folk-Carols, after collecting it from a traditional singer in Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire. While Sharp codified the melody and lyrics, he didn’t create them; he preserved a living tradition.

In this Christianized version, each characteristic of the holly becomes an allegory for an aspect of Christ’s life and passion:

The white blossom: Symbolizes the purity of Mary and the sinlessness of Christ.
The red berry: Represents the blood of Christ shed for humanity’s redemption.
The sharp prickle (thorn): A clear allusion to the Crown of Thorns, foretelling Christ’s suffering.
The bitter bark (gall): References the gall and vinegar offered to Christ on the cross, symbolizing the bitterness of his sacrifice and humanity’s sin.

The repeated chorus, “The rising of the sun / And the running of the deer, / The playing of the merry organ, / Sweet singing in the choir,” is particularly fascinating. While the latter two lines fit perfectly into a Christian context, the “rising of the sun” and “running of the deer” feel like older, more primal images. Many scholars believe these lines are remnants of the carol’s ancient pagan past, linking the celebration of the returning light (solstice) and the vitality of nature (deer) with the later Christian narrative. They create a bridge between the ancient natural world and the sacred story.

Musical Structure and Enduring Appeal

The melody of “The Holly and the Ivy” is distinctive: it’s a modal tune, often perceived as having an ancient, almost haunting quality. It is typically in a minor key (often Dorian mode), which contributes to its reflective and slightly melancholic yet ultimately hopeful mood. This modal character further distinguishes it from many more straightforward major-key carols.

Its moderate tempo, relatively narrow vocal range, and repetitive structure make it accessible for both amateur singers and grand choirs. The interplay between the verses, which offer symbolic interpretations, and the unchanging chorus, which grounds the listener in the earthly and celebratory, creates a powerful and memorable structure.

Notable Recordings and Performances

Given its ancient roots and traditional nature, “The Holly and the Ivy” has been recorded and performed countless times across various genres and interpretations. Its versatility allows it to sound equally at home in a soaring choral arrangement, a delicate folk rendition, or even a contemporary reinterpretation.

Here are some notable recordings and performances that highlight its diverse appeal:

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge: Their numerous recordings, particularly those from the Nine Lessons and Carols service, are quintessential. These renditions are known for their pristine clarity, impeccable blend, and profound reverence, often featuring boy sopranos. They set the benchmark for traditional choral interpretations.
Maddy Prior (from Steeleye Span): As a prominent figure in the English folk revival, Maddy Prior has often performed and recorded “The Holly and the Ivy.” Her versions typically emphasize the carol’s folk roots, using traditional instrumentation and a more earthy vocal style, sometimes highlighting the pagan undertones more subtly.
Loreena McKennitt: The Canadian singer-songwriter, known for her Celtic and world music influences, often includes “The Holly and the Ivy” in her seasonal repertoire. Her recordings feature lush, atmospheric arrangements, incorporating instruments like the harp and bodhrán, lending the carol a mystical and ethereal quality.
The Chieftains (feat. Nanci Griffith): The legendary Irish folk band, in collaboration with American singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith, offered a beautiful and authentic Celtic-infused rendition. Their version often features traditional Irish instruments and a heartfelt vocal delivery that underscores the carol’s timeless appeal.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir: Known for their grand and majestic sound, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir delivers a powerful and uplifting rendition, often with full orchestral accompaniment, showcasing the carol’s ability to fill large spaces with resonant sound.
Jessye Norman: The esteemed opera singer’s classical interpretation brings a dramatic and sophisticated quality to the carol. Her powerful voice and emotive delivery transform the simple folk tune into a profound operatic experience, emphasizing its spiritual depth.
Annie Lennox: The former Eurythmics frontwoman included a haunting and introspective version on her Christmas album, A Christmas Cornucopia. Her distinct voice and often sparse, thoughtful arrangements bring a contemporary yet respectful sensibility to the ancient tune.
The Mediaeval Baebes: This English ensemble, specializing in medieval music and traditional folk, offers a highly authentic and often enchanting rendition. Their use of period instruments and vocal styles transports the listener back to the carol’s earlier historical contexts, blurring the lines between its pagan and Christian interpretations.
Vance Joy: The Australian indie-folk singer released a simple, acoustic version. His distinct, gentle vocals and minimal instrumentation provide a stripped-down, intimate take, proving the carol’s melody and lyrics can stand alone without grand arrangements.

These diverse recordings illustrate the carol’s remarkable adaptability and its capacity to evoke different moods—from reverent and spiritual to ancient and mystical, and even warm and intimate.

“The Holly and the Ivy” in Media and Popular Culture

Beyond recordings, “The Holly and the Ivy” has permeated popular culture, appearing in various forms of media, often used to establish a traditional Christmas atmosphere or evoke a sense of history and quiet reverence.

Film and Television: The carol frequently appears in period dramas, historical films, and animated Christmas specials to underscore a traditional or classic holiday setting. Its presence immediately signals “Christmas past” or a scene of deep, often spiritual, significance. You might hear it softly playing in the background of a scene depicting a Victorian Christmas celebration, a rural church service, or even a magical winter wonderland.
Literature: The imagery of the holly and ivy is so ingrained in English culture that it crops up in countless Christmas stories and poems, both classic and contemporary. Authors use the plants themselves, or direct allusions to the carol, to evoke a festive, traditional, or even slightly melancholic Yuletide atmosphere.
Video Games: Even in modern media like video games, particularly those with fantasy or historical settings, snippets of “The Holly and the Ivy” or variations on its melody might be used in soundtracks for winter-themed levels or festive events, tapping into its widely recognized seasonal symbolism.
Choral and Instrumental Arrangements: The carol is a staple for school choirs, community chorales, and professional orchestras during the holiday season. It’s often included in medley arrangements, instrumental pieces, or as a standalone performance piece, valued for its beauty and historical weight.
Merchandise and Decoration: The phrase “The Holly and the Ivy” itself, and the combined imagery of the two plants, is ubiquitous on Christmas cards, wrapping paper, textiles, and home decorations. This visual presence reinforces the carol’s cultural dominance as a symbol of the season.

The Enduring Green: Why It Still Bears the Crown

“The Holly and the Ivy” endures not merely because of its catchy tune or its ancient charm, but because it skillfully navigates multiple layers of meaning. It’s a carol that respects its pagan heritage while embracing its Christian purpose. It’s a song about the resilience of nature and the promise of new life, intertwined with the profound narrative of Christ’s birth, sacrifice, and redemption.

In an age where Christmas often feels overwhelmed by commercialism, “The Holly and the Ivy” offers a grounding antidote. It calls us back to simpler, deeper truths: the beauty of the natural world, the enduring power of faith, and the timeless human yearning for hope and renewal in the darkest days of winter. Its melody, both ancient and fresh, continues to resonate in churches, concert halls, and homes around the world, proving that of all the carols that are in the wood, “The Holly and the Ivy” truly bears the crown.