The Holly and the Ivy Christmas carol lyrics

This Christmas carol describes the qualities of holly and links its evergreen nature in winter to the redemption offered by Christ. Early church leaders suggested the use of ivy for winter decoration instead of the pagan-preferred mistletoe, but mistletoe persists to this day as a sign of the season.

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,

As white as lily flower,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To be our dear Savior: REFRAIN

The holly bears a berry,

As red as any blood,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

To do poor sinner 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 the gall,

And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,

For to redeem us all: REFRAIN

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