The Boars Head Carol - Traditional

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.
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino.

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.
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino.

Our steward hath provided this
In honor of the King of Bliss;
Which on this day to be served is
In Reginensi atrio.
Caput apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino.

The Boars Head Carol lyrics are a classic example of a secular feast carol mixing English and Latin text to describe the festive menu. The song details the preparation of the boar adorned with rosemary and bay as a central symbol of the holiday banquet. It represents the ancient traditions of hospitality and the Lord of Misrule. By singing the Boars Head Carol lyrics participants connect with the medieval roots of Christmas celebrations where the joy of the Nativity was accompanied by grand community feasts music and the shared pleasure of the holiday table.