We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Boar's Head Carol

by Myke Hutchings

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. Paying supporters also get unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app.
    Purchasable with gift card

      name your price

     

about

The "Boar's Head Carol" is a 15th century English Christmas carol that describes the ancient tradition of sacrificing a boar and presenting its head at a Yuletide feast. Of the several extant versions of the carol, the one most usually performed today (including this one) is based on a version published in 1521 in Wynkyn de Worde's Christmasse Carolles.

According to folklorists, the boar's head tradition was iinitiated in all probability on the Isle of Britain by the Anglo-Saxons, although our knowledge of it comes substantially from medieval times. ... [In ancient Norse tradition] sacrifice carried the intent of imploring Freyr to show favor to the new year. The boar's head with apple in mouth was carried into the banquet hall on a gold or silver dish to the sounds of trumpets and the songs of minstrels.

lyrics

The boar's head in hand bear I,
Bedecked with bays and rosemary.
And I pray you, my masters, be merry
Quot estis in convivio (Translation: As many as are in the feast)

Caput apri defero (Translation: The boar's head I offer)
Reddens laudes Domino (Translation: Giving praises to the Lord)

The boar's head, as I understand,
Is the rarest dish in all this land,
Which thus bedecked with a gay garland
Let us servire cantico. (Translation: Let us serve with a song)

Caput apri defero (Translation: The boar's head I offer)
Reddens laudes Domino (Translation: Giving praises to the Lord)

Our steward hath provided this
In honour of the King of Bliss;
Which on this day to be served is
In Reginensi atrio. (Translation: In the hall of Queen’s)

Caput apri defero (Translation: The boar's head I offer)
Reddens laudes Domino (Translation: Giving praises to the Lord)

credits

released December 11, 2016
Vocals and Guitar: Myke Hutchings

Not very produced and recorded in Hamilton, Ontario by Myke Hutchings

Cover image by SJ Curtis Designs

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Myke Hutchings image

Myke Hutchings Toronto, Ontario

Music, meaning and mischief!

Featuring the music of Myke Hutchings and Balderdash & Humbug.

contact / help

Contact Myke Hutchings

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Myke Hutchings, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Fabiana Palladino stops by to talk about her mesmeric debut LP.
listen now