Cherries by command

If you look around the Christmas story, you’ll notice that Joseph plays a decidedly secondary role; this one’s all about Mary and the baby. Well, tbh, it’s not like Joseph played much of a role in Mary’s pregnancy (except in the story as told by Republican officials in Alabama). In fact, it’s strikingly unusual that the male person is not the focus of attention in a narrative of such importance. Joseph is basically relegated to being the guy who knocks—completely ineffectively—on doors to try to find a room for the night.

This holds true in most of the Christmas music, too. What do we hear? What child; holy infant; Gesu bambino; Mary was the queen of Galilee; Christ is born of Mary; Mary, the mother, quietly singing… Seriously—the ox and the ass get more play time than poor old Joe.

And it’s interesting to me that, when he does show up, it’s not always in a completely positive light. Today’s offering is a case in point. Versions of “The Cherry Tree Carol” were sung as far back as the 15^th Century. Some stop with the pre-natal miracle, some move on. But all depict Joseph as being, at the least, bitchy. I mean, you can kind of see his point, and of course, he does eventually come round. But still…

Here are The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem singing it.