Henry VIII wasn’t just a king, he was also a composer. One of his beautiful creations, the carol “Green Groweth the Holly,” has sparked centuries of debate.
Was this lyrical masterpiece a heartfelt love song for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon? Or was it simply an exercise in courtly love and poetry?
In this post, I delve into the fascinating lyrics, the rich symbolism of holly and ivy, and the context in which it was written. Was it composed during the early days of their passionate romance? Or does its timing suggest it might not have been about Catherine at all?
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