The Holly Bears a Berry

The origins of “The Holly Bears a Berry,” also known as the “Sans Day Carol,” are somewhat shrouded in mystery. It’s believed to have emerged from the Cornish region of England around the turn of the 20th century. The tune’s connection to St. Day, a Cornish village, led to its alternative title. While often categorized as a Christmas carol, its thematic content aligns more closely with the Passiontide and Easter seasons.

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Interestingly, “The Holly Bears a Berry” shares similarities with another well-known carol, “The Holly and the Ivy.” Both songs employ the holly as a symbolic centerpiece, suggesting a common ancestral root. The former, however, delves deeper into Christian symbolism, using the holly’s attributes to represent key moments in Jesus Christ’s life. The carol’s popularity surged in the 1920s after its inclusion in the Oxford Book of Carols. This exposure brought the haunting melody and profound lyrics to a wider audience, solidifying its place in the realm of traditional English folk music.

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Despite its enduring appeal, the precise authorship and development of “The Holly Bears a Berry” remain elusive, adding to its enigmatic charm.

While not as widely known as the main title, “The Holly Bears a Berry” is sometimes referred to by these alternative names:

• Sans Day Carol: This name is derived from its association with the Cornish village of St. Day.
• The Holly and the Ivy Variation: Due to its thematic similarities with the more famous carol, it’s occasionally grouped under this umbrella term.

1. Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk, And Mary bore Jesus who was wrapped up in silk.

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Refrain And Mary bore Jesus Christ Our Savior to be, And the first tree in the greenwood, It was the holly, holly, holly! And the first tree in the greenwood, It was the holly.

 

2. Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass, And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross: Refrain

 

3. Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal, And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all: Refrain

 

4. Now the holly bears a berry, as blood is it red, Then trust we our Saviour, who rose from the dead: Refrain