THE HOLLY AND THE IVY

Music and Text: English carol
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

The melody for this popular carol is an old English folk song, and the lyrics date to at least the early 18th century. But the sacred symbolism of holly and ivy extends even further back into medieval England. Holly and ivy are traditional rivals in the forest, representing masculine and feminine traits respectively, and they have been customary Christmas decorations since the late medieval period. 

The lyrics for this carol interpret the holly’s physical traits—blossom, berry, thorns, and bark—as parallel symbols of Mary and Christ. Given the ancient origins of the carol, it’s not surprising that the phrase “merry organ” from the song’s refrain is found in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, which may be the original source for that particular lyric.

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:

O 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 lily flower,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Savior:

O the holly bears a berry,
As red as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good.

O 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:

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