The Mystery of the Three Ships

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“I Saw Three Ships (Come Sailing In)” is one of my favorite Christmas carols.  Written in 1666 using an old English folk tune, historians are mixed and unsure of what the composer’s lyrics actually represent.  Do the three ships refer to the camels bringing the three wise men through the desert to worship the newborn king…the “ships of the desert”?  Joseph, Mary, and the baby Jesus Christ coming into Bethlehem?  I have a rather lacksadaisacal approach to these kind of questions…I usually just pick the most logical theory, and then not worry about it, because I just like the song!  🙂  And I choose…..hmmm, if I told you, then it wouldn’t be a mystery anymore!  Here is my favorite version of “I Saw Three Ships”, performed by the Chieftains and Marianne Faithfull.  Have a wonderful day.  Slainte, Lisa

 

2 thoughts on “The Mystery of the Three Ships”

  1. I had heard that melody in the past, but had no idea of the history or culture behind it. Now I know. But what I do not know is the meaning, or symbolism, of the three ships.

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