UltraFractal 3.05 + Ron Barnett's 'Julia Cross Orbit Lambda' colored by Edward Perry's 'How Square' and 'Even Odd' and Rui Parracho's 'rp-AS-xx2' and framed with Susan Chambless' 'Frames'. Resize, USM and signature in Fireworks MX. Thanks for your view/comment. It is a great gift to me! I loved the Victorian look this took on as it developed. I hope you enjoy :) Merry Christmas Eve. The Holly and the Ivy! The version of the Holly and the Ivy that we are familiar with today was first published by Cecil Sharp. The Holly and the Ivy is thought to have Pagan origins and could therefore date back over 1000 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 are unknown.. 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 bears a prickle As sharp as any thorn; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ On Christmas Day in the morn. 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 bark As bitter as any gall; And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ For to redeem us all. 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 Now both are full well 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 ~Lyrics and lesson from the following site: http://www.carols.org.uk/index.htm