December 13
"The Holly and the Ivy"

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.

The holly bears a blossom,
white as the lily flower,
and Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
to be our sweet Savior.
[REFRAIN]

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

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

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

The holly and the ivy,
now they are both full grown,
of all the trees that are in the wood
the holly bears the crown.
[REFRAIN]
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Traditional British folk carol.
Current standard version published by Cecil Sharp, 1911.
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