Friday, December 18, 2009

three ships


Christmas just wouldn't be he same without listening to that smooth,
smokey voice of Nat King Cole. That opening line "chestnuts roasting
on an open fire" summons my holiday spirit. The familiarity of his
comforting voice, makes me feel all woolly inside, and says that all is
as it should be.
.
This season, the lyrics to one of the songs on the album, I Saw Three
Ships, got my pesky etymological juices flowing. I can't say why I've
not thought of it before, but what's it all about? Bethlehem is
certainly land locked, and there is no mention of ships in the biblical
story.
.
The tune of this carol is a traditional English folk song and the lyrics
were written by wandering minstrels as they travelled through the
country. In the original version of the carol, the three ships were the
ones taking the supposed skulls of the wise men to Cologne
Cathedral in Germany. Hmm. That's festive.
.
There are various versions of the song today, but they all involve
three ships. After doing a little poking around, here are some
possible meanings:
.
.
1) The arrival of ships is a symbol of good luck. They represent
prosperity and wealth, a wish bestowed for the holiday season,
since England was, at the time, a very sea oriented country.
.
2) The song is upbeat and happy. It expresses excitement about the
coming of the Christ child, much like the anticipation of a ship coming
in to port.
.
3) The three ships represent the three wise men who came sailing
in on their "ships of the desert", as camels are sometimes referred to,
to pay a visit to the holy family.
.
4) The three ships represent the holy family, Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
It's a disguised defense of Catholicism.
.
5) Ritson in his Scotch Songs quotes the following lines, stating they
were sung during the Christmas holidays about the middle of the
sixteenth century.
.
There comes a ship far sailing then,
Saint Michel was the stieres-man
Saint John sat in the horn:
Our Lord harped, our Lady sang,
And all the bells of heaven they rang,
On Christ’s sonday at morn.
.
This suggests that perhaps the ships were angelic ones, protecting
the Lady and her child, and delivering them on Christmas morning.
.
6) The holy trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit are represented as
the three ships carrying the Christ child to Bethlehem.
.
.
Here are the lyrics we are most familiar with today:
.
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
I saw three ships come sailing in,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And what was in those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
Our Saviour Christ and his lady
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Our Saviour Christ and his lady,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
Pray whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Pray whither sailed those ships all three?
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Oh, they sailed into Bethlehem,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the bells on earth shall ring,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
And all the souls on earth shall sing,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
Then let us all rejoice, amain,
On Christmas day, on Christmas day,
Then let us all rejoice, amain,
On Christmas day in the morning.
.
William Sandys, Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern
London: Richard Beckley, 1833
.
.
.
I'm much anticipating the arrival at the land locked manor of my
own three little ships this coming week. So, this carol as taken on an
entirely new meaning for me. Hope you enjoy the events in your port
of call this Christmas season, as well. ~x
.
photo borrowed from Flickr

57 comments:

  1. I hope you enjoy your three little ships, I am sure you will provide them with a safe harbor.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The Three Ships makes me think of the Holy Trinity...Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
    This isn't Christmas related, but three ships also brings to mind the Nina, Pinta & Santa Marie, from the Christopher Columbus voyage.
    Enjoy your Christmas voyage with your "three ships" : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. Was that the reason why there three ships involved int he conquest of America by Christopher Columbus? :-)

    What a cracking post. You're right, skulls, Christmas... hmmm... no.

    Greetings from London.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I hadn't considered the meaning behind that particular song before...interesting.

    Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song" is my favorite. No one sings it like Nat!

    ReplyDelete
  5. How lovely you must be feeling - brimming over with anticipation about the whole gang being together again. I can picture you making their rooms 'willowy' with all the beautiful touches that I know each and every corner of the Willow Manor has.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It's funny because just the other day I heard that song (I think it was Sting's version) and I wondered about it, but then promptly forgot. thanks for digging and doing the dirty work for me. I need to be more like you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. FF, yes, the manor is willowy and ready for the arrival of the three ships!! Except for the corners of the dreaded cleaning of the bathrooms, which I put off until the very last moment possible. I think I dread it so much because it was always my childhood task. Bleh.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This song is now in my head and I like it...A GREAT DEAL! I think I will grab my CD with this lovely song to run around with me today!
    Thanks Willow!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a lovely song! It's just brimful with anticipation -- which is what this pre-Christmas/Solstice time is all about.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks Willow for the lovely history lesson. Christmas week is a bustling port with ships coming and going everywhere! Don't you have those self cleaning bathrooms?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Leslie, self cleaning bathrooms? Gosh, I knew it was time to update these manor bathes!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I so agree about Nat King Cole. The photograph you found to go with the post is a delight, there is something so soothing and peaceful about it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You know, I always mention being stuck in the land locked Midwest, but actually, I could hop in a canoe in the Scioto River and sail to the Ohio River, on to the Mississippi and down to the gulf. Now that would be a blog worthy post!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I leave Sunday to be with my Three Ships in Atlanta and, although I'm not looking forward to the 8 hour drive, I can't wait to be there with them. And there will actually be a fourth and fifth ship along the way. How lucky am I?!

    ReplyDelete
  15. This song is on our Chieftan's Christmas album - I think Mariann Faithfull sings it. I always want to sing along...

    ReplyDelete
  16. That carol takes me back, haven't heard it for many years,thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The three ships have always meant the three kings approaching on their camels to me. It's great to hear all the other possibilities. I'm curious where you find all your time and energy to do all the things you do. You really must blog on how you organize your time! Have a wonderful Christmas Season with your family all together. We look forward to hearing about it all. Many Blessings to You and Yours.

    ReplyDelete
  18. intriguing...i can honestly say i never thought about it but love the musing over it...i hope your ships come in safely and you all have a merry christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Willow,

    Yes, a great song on a great album. Strange that we don't really know the origin of the words and their meaning and are just happy to sing along. Glad to hear you will all be together for the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Good old Ancient and Modern Hymnbook! We used to sing that carol from that book in my old school choir, but I'd never pondered the meaning before! Thanks for the lesson! "Safe return" wishes for your personal three ships! I think "Safe Return" is the old greeting given to mariners when they go away. Best wishes for a lovely family festivity!

    ReplyDelete
  21. 3 ships arriving is a symbol of good luck?

    where are my ships?

    i have been waiting a long time for my ship to come in.
    whoa's me..........
    boo f---ing hoo for me.
    this christmas just might be the magical one i have been waiting for.
    i know it will be for you my love!
    you are the guiding light is so many of our storms.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  22. Songs were one of the primary ways of recording history. Love Nat King Cole. Happy TT

    ReplyDelete
  23. We used to sing it at school. Now it reminds me of a Joan Baez traditional folk song, "I'm going to take a trip in that old gospel ship, I'm going to flying right through the sky".

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a wonderful post! Happy holidays Willow!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've wondered about this song too--fascinating history. The great Jean Ritchie does an interesting variation of this song--her isn't in jig time (6/8), which is the meter for the most well-known version; it's on her "Kentucky Christmas" cd (Greenhays), & is a beautiful collection of Christmas music.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I always understood that the ships referred to the camels as you say in (3) - but when you think about it it is not a very christmassy song is it?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Enjoy your ships this week! I've never really thought about it before. I figured there was some history on what they represented.. but I figured it was the same as the fun little ditty Ring around the rosie that theoretically was about the Bubonic plague. hmm.. makes me want to dance!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am a nut for origins of traditions and such. For instance, the "Greensleeves" would be a fascinating work for similar inquiry. My problem is I find myself looking for the Pagan roots in everything holiday related.

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm always getting the parody "Chipmunks roasting on an open fire" into my head when I hear the original...

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love the exposition you've done of the Christmas carol! Hmm...I wonder if William Sandys was related to Frederick Sandys, the Pre-Raphaelite painter?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh, and it's always driven me crazy that "Our Saviour Christ and his Lady" were in the ships. Were both of them in all three ships? If they were split up, who was in the third ship? Lol. I guess one shouldn't press these things.

    ReplyDelete
  32. I like the idea of the three ships being your children best of all! I'm so glad that they will all be home for Christmas.

    I had never thought much about these ships, either; although I certainly can't have Christmas without Nat King Cole. I will now ALWAYS think of you when I hear this song.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Wonderful post, Willow! It gives much to ponder. I'm sure so much of the meaning has been lost to history. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to you and yours!

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is a beautiful carol...and a personal favoite, but I did not know any of this background.
    I am familiar with the elaborate religious meaning behind The Twelve Days of Christmas.
    I too thought of the three ships of Columbus's voyage...as LadyCat mentioned. I wonder if some of our sailing historians could tell us if there is anything to "three ships" sailing together.
    Reaching for my Nat King Cole.
    Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I like the analysis of the Christmas Carol and I love that photograph of the three ships. Perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  36. interesting how just about everything in the world can have a bazillion interpretations. I esp like the camels as ships. Hope you have a love time with your three ships. And thanks for the shout out. The stack of old books looks neat.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Certainly enjoyed singing the song aloud to myself as I read your post.

    Thanks, Willow. Enjoyed it.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Funny, I don't ever remember hearing that song! I'm glad to get a full history of it, however...now I'll pay more attention! I have to agree with you about Nat King Cole. I also love Il Divo's Christmas album. I was fortunate to hear these handsome young men when they performed in the Bay area several years ago and they are fabulous.

    I know the Manor is resplendent in all sorts of Christmas finery as your wait for your ships to dock!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Have a blast with your 3 ships, Willow. I've heard numerous interpretations, but I just love that song, no matter what it was meant to signify. Like the header--pretty! Happy holidays, Willow!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Renee, me?! That is just about the nicest thing anyone has ever said! Just wait, dear friend, your ship is coming. :^)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Now I'll be singing this song for days! I love the tune/time to this one, and I just assumed they were the camels.

    Sail on down to the mouth of the Kanawha, and I'll meet you there. Or maybe we'll both be ice skating before this weekend is over!

    ReplyDelete
  42. It could be three intergalactic vessels that populated the planet!?

    The three ships bringing good luck didn't work out too well for the native American tribes :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. The ships sailed in to Bethlehem from Heaven, on that magical morn!

    ReplyDelete
  44. You do have a way Willow - I always find deep and warm conversation here and I'm always happy when I arrive. I'm thinking now of the significances of the "three ships" in my world/consciousness.

    I wish I had mentioned it sooner, but I've always named among my favourite records (and not just Christmas) Bruce Cockburn's "Christmas." If you can find it I am certain it will become a Christmas tradition in your home. Do order a copy, you'll be glad.

    It's his "Three Ships" I'm hearing in my head now.

    And I love the idea of your three ships coming to shore.

    ReplyDelete
  45. three ships is one of my most favourite christmas carols. thanks for this willow!! steven

    ReplyDelete
  46. i love some of the old traditional carols, some of them are such a mix of different cultures, times in history etc....

    ReplyDelete
  47. Don't know much about ships but I'm often 'Three sheets to the wind'

    There's room for a 'Willow special' on Santa's poetry plank. Get aboard!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Enjoy your three ships Willow. I'm looking out the window for mine as well.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Thanks for research on a carol I've sung for years. Carols are unique in how we each relate to them.

    I rememver when THE LITTLE DRUMMER Boy became a popular song. I never like it because the "drumming" reminded me of the state funeral of JFK which occured in the same time frame. To this day I am not fond of this song.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'm familiar with this song, but I never stopped to wonder about the meaning behind the words. Shame on me! Thanks for provoking some thoughts today.

    Enjoy having your travelers home this week!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Two of our five ships will be arriving from far away too this week Willow, in that wonderful ship The Tricked-Up Subaru WRX! May she sail the highway from Melbourne to Adelaide without coming across any 'pirates' on the side of the road pointing their speed guns & relieving the Captain of too much of his cash.
    Millie ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  52. Willow, i do hope you thoroughly enjoy your own three ships come sailing in indeed for a most wonderful real family gathering in the softness of snow.

    I enjoyed reading about the carol too adn had heard/read many of these before. I'm not sure which one is the most correct, but regardless, it is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  53. BTw, I LOVE your new masthead with fine paper wrap and such, like a rich tapestry.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Thanks, Mr. Toast! I snapped a shot of one of the pressies under the tree and thought it would make a lovely header.

    ReplyDelete

Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)