The Cherry Tree Carol is a traditional English carol whose origin can be traced to the late 15th century England. It is thought to have been written by an unknown poet, and it has become one of the most beloved and well-known English carols. The lyrics of the carol tell the biblical story of King Herod’s slaying of the Innocents, when he orders the slaughter of all firstborn sons in Bethlehem in order to kill the newborn King of the Jews.
The beauty and poignancy of this carol have made it a beloved part of the Christmas season for centuries. Although there is no extant manuscript of the original Cherry Tree Carol, the text is known from cryptic references in two medieval plays and two West Country songs. One of these references is to a “Cherry Carleton song” in a play called Everyman. The other three references infer that it involves a battle between Christ and Herod, and that it may have originated in East Anglia.
It is widely believed that The Cherry Tree Carol was written by an anonymous 15th century poet. Firstly, the structure of the text has a certain believability that suggests it is a work of literature from the period. Secondly, many academics believe that its story—albeit a tragic one—was well-suited for a festive environment, whereby a popular audience would appreciate it. One form of evidence supporting its authorship from that period is the existence of a manuscript of it in the 15th century.
The original form of the carol would have been sung unaccompanied, but there are many different recorded settings of the music, from folk-style to classical versions. The most well-known version is the one featured in the Christmas film, “The Muppet Christmas Carol”; this version is backed by a chorus of angelic-sounding voices and a beautiful orchestral arrangement. This particular version has become hugely popular and arguably one of the most memorable Christmas carols of all-time.
One academic view suggests that the Cherry Tree Carol could have served as a symbolic representation of a culture where there are cycles of power and eventually, an endless struggle between the oppressor and the oppressed. That is, by recounting such an event, the song would have been a way of highlighting the futile efforts of tyranny, whilst also providing comfort and hope to a weary people.
In that sense, the story depicted in the carol, could be seen as a subsequent hope for those experiencing the tensions of political, social and religious upheaval, with the success of the “hero” representing the triumph of the victorious over the oppressive. This theory further expresses the belief that symbols of hope (in this case, a marching and victorious king) can provide a collective symbol of inspiration and a call to find strength in the struggle for justice and peace.
On the one hand, this gives the poem a religious resonance, in particular noting its relevance to the season of Christmas. On the other hand, it can be viewed as an expression of a more general desire and hopeful unity in the common struggle. The carol ends with the mother of the boy imploring everyone to “Make surey of your spirite”, interpreting it as a metaphor for having faith in oneself and the promise of better days ahead.
The Structure and Imagery of the Carol
The Cherry Tree Carol is a song of eight stanzas. Each stanza is comprised of two four-line verses, similar to a hymn or an Old English ballad. The meter for the song is anapestic, with the lines arranged in an alternating pattern ofshort–short–long andlong–short–short. The rhyme scheme is mostly in couplets, with a few instances of tercets or variants in each stanza.
The imagery used in The Cherry Tree Carol is breathtaking in its simplicity, yet rich in its symbolism. The image of Jesus as a great tree is highly effective as it combines two traditional biblical images – Jesus as a great shepherd and Jesus as the Tree of Life. The carol also utilizes language to great effect, depicting Jesus and Herod as having a physical fight – another traditional biblical metaphor – and describing Jesus’ ascent as being in preparation for a heavenly battle. The use of nature imagery and metaphor to depict the struggle between good and evil is a recurring theme throughout the song.
The language is also quite vivid, with references to birds singing, mountains trembling, clouds dispersing, streams flowing and trees shaking. This is in keeping with the style of poetry popular in the late 15th century, which sought to evoke emotional responses to nature-related imagery. By evoking such vivid images, the poem seeks to capture the listener’s imagination and compel them to think about the events being described.
Conclusion and Impact Through the Ages
The Cherry Tree Carol is a beloved carol that is thought to have originated in the late 15th century England. The mystery surrounding its authorship and the depth of its imagery make it a unique and beautiful carol, one that has endured through the centuries. The beautiful imagery used in the carol gives it a strong emotional resonance, and its message of hope in the face of oppression resonates across cultures, inspiring people to find the strength and courage to struggle against the injustices of the world.
The carol has been adapted and reinterpreted in numerous ways, from folk-style to classical musical settings. It has featured in popular culture, such as in the Muppet Christmas Carol, and its lyrics have been studied and analysed for centuries, giving the carol an even deeper level of meaning. The Cherry Tree Carol is truly an inspiration, stirring our imaginations and reminding us of the power of hope in the face of adversity.
Analysis of Use of Symbolism and Imagery
The use of symbolism and imagery in The Cherry Tree Carol make it a particularly potent and evocative carol with a powerful message. For example, the image of Jesus as a great tree is striking in its simplicity, yet it is highly evocative and carries a deeper meaning. This image is used to portray Jesus as both a shepherd and a tree of life, which connotes resurrection and rebirth that stir an emotional response in the listener. The carol also makes effective use of metaphors and vivid language to describe the struggle between good and evil, using nature imagery to create a vivid and emotionally charged atmosphere.
The imagery in the carol can also be interpreted as a representation of hope and a collective desire for justice and peace in the middle of difficult social and political times. By reciting this tragic story, the carol not only comforts the weary, but also provides a representation of hope in the fight for justice and peace. The carol ends in a particularly poignant way–with the mother of the boy imploring all of us to “make surey of your spirite”–telling us to take heart and have faith in ourselves.
Analysis of the Music and Arrangements
The original version of The Cherry Tree Carol was likely a folk song, performed unaccompanied in a cappella style. Over the centuries, different musical interpretations of the carol have been created, ranging from folk-style arrangements to classical, contemporary and jazz versions. Each version serves to underscore the power of the carol, bringing out its emotional poetry and evocative imagery.
The most well-known rendition of the carol is that featured in the movie, “The Muppet Christmas Carol”. This version features an angelic chorus backed by a sweeping orchestral arrangement. The combined effect creates a stirring and powerful effect not normally associated with a cappella carols of the period. This version of the carol has become one of the most iconic Christmas songs of all-time, capturing the sense of hope and wonder of the holiday season through its vivid imagery and evocative lyrics.
Historical Context in the Later Versions of the Carol
The Cherry Tree Carol was first recorded in the 15th century, but since then its popularity has endured throughout the ages. In 1838, a version of the song was published by folklorist William Sandys, and since then numerous versions of the carol have been orchestrated and published. In the 20th century, the carol was further popularized in movies, TV shows, and music recordings.
These later versions of the carol can be seen as an expression of cultural values, in this case, a return to traditional Christmas carols of the period. By recording and transforming the carol in different ways, it can be argued that they represent a desire to reconnect with the past in a modern context. For example, the version featured in “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is a reworking of a traditional carol for a modern audience – one that features a beautiful orchestral arrangement, angelic-sounding vocals, and a nostalgic throwback to a Christmas classic.
In that sense, The Cherry Tree Carol has served as a source of comfort and hope, both in times of peace and for those struggling for justice and equality. Its lasting popularity is a testament to the power of these timeless lyrics and the themes of hope, peace, and courage that they evoke.
Contemporary Versions and Popular Culture Performance of the Carol
The Cherry Tree Carol has made multiple appearances in popular culture over the years, and contemporary versions of the song continue to be performed. Most notably, it was featured in the Christmas film, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” and has been covered by many popular singers, including U2 and Sting. Contemporary arrangements of the carol have been featured in television and film, such as in the popular Christmas movie “Elf”, which featured the carol prominently during one of the scenes.
The carol has also been a perennial favorite at Christmas concerts and events. While some performances revert to the traditional cappella style of the song, others orchestra and arrange it as a contemporary Christmas carol. In that sense, the song has also been a reflection of cultural shifts and sensibilities over time, with modern adaptations attempting to capture the beauty and power of the original carol while also adapting it to current styles and tastes.
These modern interpretations and performances speak to the timeless appeal of the song. Its simple and haunting lyrics have been interpreted in numerous ways and are still resonating with people today. The song remains, to this day, a universal source of comfort, hope, and inspiration.
