Fun pagan song facts cont'd: The reminder in each verse that "Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ" holds a pagan message as well: though the male element holds the power, he can only wield it by realizing it through the female element. The reverse is true at Midsummer, when the feminine reigns, but can only wield her power through the male element. Goddess gives birth to God, who in turn impregnates Goddess - so the Wheel turns in an endless cycle through eternity.
Fun pagan song facts: In pre-Christian tradition, rigid prickly holly represents masculinity, while soft twining ivy represents femininity. Together they promise rebirth in the Spring. The 'rising of the sun' refers to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year after which the days begin to lengthen. The 'running of the deer' refers to the Stag Lord, the male consort of Moon Goddess. Winter is the time of the male element - the fertile female element peaks at Litha, the Summer Solstice.
The Song of the Holly Fairy:Christmas Version ( To The Tune of Holly and Ivy) O, I am green in Winter~time, When other trees are brown; Of all the trees in the world The holly bears the crown. December days are drawing near. When I shall come to town, And carol-boys go singing clear Of all the trees, Oh hush and hear! The holly bears the crown! For who so well-beloved and merry As Jesus Christ who was born in the Greenwood next to the Holly Berry and watched by The Holly Fairy?
What beautiful singing! This was an ancient pagan song before the Christian Lyrics were written for it. By whom I don't know. I somehow have an idea that they came about gradually over the years for a long time. I could be way wrong on that.
You're right about it being a pagan song. I believe it was rewritten with Christian influence sometime during the 17th century when it was translated to English from celtic origin. I may be wrong about the time period, though
Oh, I didn't know it was translated to English from Celtic origin. Thanks.
Thank you to Lark and Spur especially. This is EXCELLENT. It's three days after Christmas, and you know how you wish the Christmas carols on the radio could go on a little longer? Well, I guess they do on YouTube. Ho, ho, ho. It is a little hard to find this particular video unless you add the word"Christian" to "The Holly and the Ivy Christmas carol"
Fun pagan song facts cont'd: The reminder in each verse that "Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ" holds a pagan message as well: though the male element holds the power, he can only wield it by realizing it through the female element. The reverse is true at Midsummer, when the feminine reigns, but can only wield her power through the male element. Goddess gives birth to God, who in turn impregnates Goddess - so the Wheel turns in an endless cycle through eternity.
And thats what the song is about! =)
darkangelscruffy 1 year ago 3
Fun pagan song facts: In pre-Christian tradition, rigid prickly holly represents masculinity, while soft twining ivy represents femininity. Together they promise rebirth in the Spring. The 'rising of the sun' refers to the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year after which the days begin to lengthen. The 'running of the deer' refers to the Stag Lord, the male consort of Moon Goddess. Winter is the time of the male element - the fertile female element peaks at Litha, the Summer Solstice.
darkangelscruffy 1 year ago 3
I sing this in my school choir
spartanhector 1 year ago
sweet arrangement.
rickyseabra 1 year ago
I love this hymn! but seriously, the old lady at about..1,08, that´s just wierd! hahaha
dextrozol 1 year ago
Very nice voice.
tuningmachine 2 years ago
v nice
newall7 2 years ago
Gnostic2030 2 years ago
What beautiful singing! This was an ancient pagan song before the Christian Lyrics were written for it. By whom I don't know. I somehow have an idea that they came about gradually over the years for a long time. I could be way wrong on that.
MiraclesofHeaven 3 years ago
You're right about it being a pagan song. I believe it was rewritten with Christian influence sometime during the 17th century when it was translated to English from celtic origin. I may be wrong about the time period, though
brown7171 3 years ago 4
Oh, I didn't know it was translated to English from Celtic origin. Thanks.
Thank you to Lark and Spur especially. This is EXCELLENT. It's three days after Christmas, and you know how you wish the Christmas carols on the radio could go on a little longer? Well, I guess they do on YouTube. Ho, ho, ho. It is a little hard to find this particular video unless you add the word"Christian" to "The Holly and the Ivy Christmas carol"
MiraclesofHeaven 3 years ago
We sang this in our select choir a Capella for our Christmas concert!
Iceprincess702 3 years ago
This is the same version I sang about 3 years ago for a Christmas program! I really, really love this song!
ZagariWolf 3 years ago
great job with these!
water05201 3 years ago
very pretty song!
BreakfastCake 3 years ago
Very nice.
cpedley 3 years ago