Unknown writer

Bryngynge in the Bore’s Head

Summary


"Bryngynge in the Bore's Head" is one of the oldest known English Christmas carols, capturing the ceremonial procession of a boar's head into a great hall during a medieval Christmas feast. Sung with garlands, rosemary, and mustard, the verses blend Latin refrains with Middle English to summon lords to merry celebration. The steward's proud offering sets the tone for communal festivity, drawing everyone — high and low — into the warmth and ritual of the season.

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Caput Apri defero
Reddens laudes Domino.

The boar’s head in hand bring I,
With garlands gay and rosemary;
I pray you all sing merrily,
Qui estis in convivio.

A medieval steward carries a decorated boar's head into a festive hall in Bryngynge in the Bore's Head.

The boar’s head, I understand,
Is the chief service in this land;
Look wherever it be found,
Servite cum cantico.

Be glad, lords, both more or less,
For this hath ordained our steward
To cheer you all this Christmas,
The boar’s head with mustard.

Credits

Unknown writer composed this carol, which dates to at least the 15th century and is closely associated with The Queen's College, Oxford, where the Boar's Head Feast tradition continues to this day. The carol is one of the earliest printed English carols, appearing in Wynkyn de Worde's 1521 collection. Its mix of Latin and Middle English reflects the bilingual liturgical culture of late medieval England.
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