The Holly and the Ivy
The Druids of ancient Celtic times in Britain, Ireland and France considered holly a symbol of both fertility and eternal life. They thought the tree possessed magical powers. Ivy represents friendship and loyalty and is believed to protect against disaster. Holly and ivy together signify harmony in the family.
In the carol, holly represents Jesus and ivy represents Mary.
The small white summer flowers of the holly are symbolic of peace and optimism. In the carol, the words ‘as white as the lily flower’ are reminders of the birth of the baby Jesus.
The scarlet holly berry is ‘as red as any blood,’ and the sharp, prickly leaves are thought to represent Christ’s crown of thorns. The holly tree bark is bitter, like the gall that was raised to Christ’s lips on the cross. The gall was thought to be a drug to ease pain.
Lovely mug. It's one of my favourites as well!
ReplyDeleteIt's the chorus I particularly like.
DeleteI always think Holly Jolly Christmas when I see holly!
ReplyDeleteLol!
DeleteI am loving all your Christmas mugs and these ones are the best so far. Now I have learned something new about the holly and the ivy.
ReplyDelete. It's nice to be using them all again, I must say.
DeleteI thought the song was about the two dinner ladies we had at primary school - Holly Buckley and Ivy Brocklebank or as we called them - Mrs Buck and Mrs Brock.
ReplyDeleteBrock the badger?
DeleteNo, Mrs Brock the mother of John and Tilly Brocklebank.
DeleteI did not know the story of holly and the red berries. Thank you. I enjoy your cup collection of course.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a very English carol.
DeleteA carol I'm not familiar with. Perhaps, in the United States, it isn't as popular.
ReplyDeleteI think you're probably right.
ReplyDeleteIt's a pleasant tune that I am whistling and humming now. As a Canadian, I am very familiar with it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely carol, I think.
DeleteFor some reason "The Holly and the Ivy" isn't played as much as other religious carols. I wonder why?
ReplyDeletePerhaps the meaning isn't as clear as in other carols.
DeleteI'll search for some versions of The Holly and Ivy as I only know this carol by name. Your Christmas cups are very pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the link didn't work. I hope you find a suitable version.
ReplyDeleteI thought I knew all Christmas carols (the old traditional ones) but this I don't know at all.
ReplyDeleteI think it must be particularly English.
DeleteThat's a favorite carol of mine as well, both for its musical qualities and its symbolism.
ReplyDeleteI never tire of it.
Deletethe cups are gorgeous, all of them, the first is my favorite. I have not heard of this song before today
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI'm singing it now :)
ReplyDeleteHowever,it doesn't sound like the wonderful Kings College Choir you linked to. I did enjoy watching and listening.
I like the holly mugs you've shown, the first one is my favourite..
All the best Jan
🎵😎🎅
ReplyDeleteI love this carol, but had no idea of its significance ... xxx
ReplyDeleteSomehow, for me anyway, knowing the provenance of something makes it more meaningful.
DeleteIt is very enjoyable learning these origins. Thanks so much and lovely mug! You have a splendid collection.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Denise. 🎅
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