When a Christmas carol is also a folk ballad you know it's not going to be the usual angels/shepherds/kings extravaganza. This one doesn't disappoint, with a lovely garden, a jealous Joseph and a fruit-related miracle.

But, as ever, all is not as it seems. Continuing the theme of weird Christianity from last month's episode, we get to explore medieval mystery plays and alternative gospels, and in 5th Century Syria we discover a scholarly and forthright Mary who doesn't need an angel to fight her battles for her.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Music
Verse from Jean Richie’s recording of The Cherry Tree Carol, Kentucky

The Cherry Tree Carol, collected by Maud Karpeles and Patrick Shuldham-Shaw from John Partridge of Cinderford, Gloucestershire (Verse 1)

Verse from a Jean Richie version, Kentucky, recorded by Joan Baez

Instrumental: Version arranged by D Gilbert and W Sandys (19th Century)

Benedicamus Domino (Plainsong, anon)

The Cherry Tree Carol, version sung by Shirley Collins, 1959

Orthodox Chant and Ney (flute) from FreeSounds

References

Royston, Pamela L (1982) "The Cherry-Tree Carol": Its sources and analogues https://scholarworks.iu.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/2022/1762/15(1)%201-16.pdf?sequence=1

https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/biblical-topics/post-biblical-period/the-origins-of-the-cherry-tree-carol/

https://d.lib.rochester.edu/teams/text/sugano-n-town-plays-banns-proclamation

https://www.academia.edu/29076122/The_Origins_of_The_Cherry_Tree_Carol_How_a_Christmas_carol_links_the_modern_Middle_East_and_medieval_England

https://dokumen.pub/mary-and-joseph-and-other-dialogue-poems-on-mary-9781593338398-2011007425-1593338392.html

https://mainlynorfolk.info/lloyd/songs/thecherrytreecarol.html

https://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/Notes_On_Carols/cherry_tree_carol-notes.htm

https://balladindex.org/Ballads/C054.html