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."
This six-verse song first appeared in an English broadside* of 1710; later published in a collection in 1861. By 1953 The Holly and the Ivy had been made into a movie.
Holly has long been associated with Christmas. Its image appears on decorations, on wrap and Christmas cards. Sprigs of holly are hung in wreaths, on mantles and over doorways. The red berries and green leaves make the plant an attractive choice in December.
*A broadside was a large single-sheet, printed on one side, often of illustrated ballads.
Tomorrow: In many countries the holly is thought to have supernatural qualities.
"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."
This six-verse song first appeared in an English broadside* of 1710; later published in a collection in 1861. By 1953 The Holly and the Ivy had been made into a movie.
Holly has long been associated with Christmas. Its image appears on decorations, on wrap and Christmas cards. Sprigs of holly are hung in wreaths, on mantles and over doorways. The red berries and green leaves make the plant an attractive choice in December.
*A broadside was a large single-sheet, printed on one side, often of illustrated ballads.
Tomorrow: In many countries the holly is thought to have supernatural qualities.
