The Cherry Tree Carol for 3 voices and 2 guitars

The ballad "The Cherry-Tree Carol" (Roud 453) holds the unique honor of being both a Christmas carol and one of the Child Ballads (no. 54). The song's origins are ancient, with evidence suggesting it was performed in some capacity during the Feast of Corpus Christi in the early 15th century. The ballad tells a non-canonical tale of the Virgin Mary, likely set during her journey to Bethlehem with Joseph for the census. In the most widely circulated version, they rest in a cherry orchard where Mary requests Joseph to gather cherries for her.