Why take a quiz?

[rivka]

I decided to make up my own answer to the "What Christmas Carol are you?" quiz. I'd be delighted if this took off and other people did the same - if you do, please post your response (or a link to it) here. Remember that this is not necessarily your favorite carol, but the one you are most like.

What Christmas Carol am I?

I am "The Holly and the Ivy."

I'm not your normal Christmas carol. I'm just obscure enough that some people probably think I'm pretentious, but I prefer to think of myself as lively, simple, and fresh. I like old traditions and old melodies. I've got a lot of things to say, and I tend to say them fast. I confess that I don't make very good poetry, but I hope you'll think I'm charming all the same.

I don't disapprove of Christmas or approach it ironically. I am overtly Christian, but pagans might recognize in me theological undertones of which Pat Robertson would not approve. My way of celebrating acknowledges the traditions and symbolism of pre-Christian midwinter festivals, and I feel totally okay and unconflicted about combining those symbols with aspects of the Christian religion. My brand of religion is light-hearted and joyful.

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

Chorus: Oh, the rising of the sun and the running of the deer
The playing of the merry pipes, sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a berry as red as any blood
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to do us sinners good.

The holly bears a blossom as white as the lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ to be our dear savior.

The holly bears a prickle as sharp as any thorn
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ on Christmas day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark as bitter as any gall
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ for to redeem us all.

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

Comments

[patgreene.livejournal.com]

Here is my answer.

[supergee.livejournal.com]

Did you post it as Friends Only? I was denied access.

[patgreene.livejournal.com]

Oops. My journal is default Friends-only (my mother-in-law was reading it). I've made the relevant post public.

[dakiwiboid.livejournal.com]

I did a specifically pagan, modern version of the carol. I have it posted at my poetry journal (http://www.livejournal.com/users/justkiwisverse/7280.html). You may find it amusing.

[wcg.livejournal.com]

I sing a different, and possibly older variant of this that I learned as The Holly Berry Song

Oh the holly bears a berry as red as is blood
And Mary bore Jesus to do sinners good.
And Mary bore Jesus Christ, our savior for to be
And the first tree in the green wood it was the holly.
Holly! Holly!
And the first tree in the green wood it was the holly.

(The other three verses follow naturally from what you posted. It's a beautiful, uplifting, joyful song of winter.)

Yes, I think your choice of carol fits you very well.

[persimmon.livejournal.com]

I know both of those, and the music is slightly different as well, yes?

[wcg.livejournal.com]

Yes, it's different music. I think it's a different time signature too. The Holly Berry song is 3/4 time, while The Holly and The Ivy is ... 2/4? That seems right.

[supergee.livejournal.com]

Now you've got me wanting to write a Halle Berry song.

[janetmiles.livejournal.com]

I would like to be Silver Bells (Warning: plays music). I'm not Christian [1], but I like the Christmas holiday season for the gatherings of family and friends, and the bright decorations. On the other hand, I admit I get a bit annoyed by radio stations that go to 24-hour-a-day carols beginning November 1, and by stores that start putting up Christmas merchandise before Halloween, so I'm probably more You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.

[1] This is purely as a statement of fact, and does not imply any criticism of people who are Christian.

Ding-Dong Merrily on High!

[wiredferret.livejournal.com]

http://www.livejournal.com/users/wiredferret/669334.html

[fairoriana.livejournal.com]

I was "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing". It was quite an accurate description -- I do find Christmas to be a spiritual and religious holiday, with strong and loving overtones of family and tradition.

It is innacurate in saying that the secularization of Christmas bugs me, though. It doesn't. I am happy that people who have no faith or belief in a higher power come together with family, loved ones, and tradition at the same time I do.

[curiousangel.livejournal.com]

And here is my answer.

[kalikanzara.livejournal.com]

http://www.livejournal.com/users/kalikanzeros/313626.html#cutid1