The Holly and the Ivy VI

Traditional Carol

Author Unknown

Oh the Holly and the ivy when they are both full grown

In wintertime when all is dead they bear the living crown

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

Oh the ivy is the maiden, the holly is her love

As they entwine at Yuletide the Lady smiles above

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

The Holly blooms in glory when the solstice day is near

We burn the yule log to make the new-born Sun appear

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

'Tis at Yule when the Mother gives  birth to the coming Spring

In the midst of winter cold; the new-born Sun, Holly King

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

Throughout the land she wanders with the new day-lit god

And in the Spring sweet love is made where'ere Her foot has trod

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

She is in all our loving, in all we love and fear,

How wondrous is the way in which our Lady doth appear

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

Praise the Queen of Air and Earth, of Fire and Water

All poetry's our Lady's art, all music sings to her

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

All in the holy Circle, hand to hand we pass the blade

To invoke the Lady's power unsheathed by the Ivy Maid

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

Now Blessed be  the Earth at rest beneath our feet

As we have hope of rest one day, our Lady for to greet

Oh the rising of the sun and the running of the deer

The days are short, the night is long, the turning of the year

Out of Darkness shall come dawning, out of Winter shall come Spring

Out of the toil of striving comes the peace our Lady brings