Mousehole

Old Cornwall Christmas Traditions

Cornish Carols - A Tradition For The World

10. Cadgwith

The fishing village of Cadgwith on the Lizard Peninsula is the spot to hear good four part harmony on most Friday nights throughout the year. People come from far and near to join in at the Cadgwith Cove Inn. In the summer months it is mostly filled with tourists but as winter approaches then the locals gather to sing the old favourites such as "The White Rose" and the Cadgwith Anthem. As Christmas approaches then of course the carols start to ring around the bar and one of the favourites is "The Holly and the Ivy".

Music 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
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good
O the rising of the sun
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ
Sweet singing of the choir

The Holly and the Ivy is said date back over 2000 years. It is most unusual for a carol like the Holly and the Ivy to have survived over the years especially during the stern protestant period of the 17th century. The Holly and the Ivy have always been taken indoors during the winter the hope being that the occupants would survive difficult conditions just like the hardy Holly and the Ivy. The colours of the Holly and Ivy, green and red are traditionally associated with Christmas. The author and composer of the Holly and the Ivy remain unknown.

The Cadgwith Singers have produced a cd called Christmas at Cadgwith and this can be purchased from Chris Blount at Chough Digital .

The painting is by Cadgwith fisherman Nigel Legge see his website