When was 'I Saw Three Ships' composed'?
It is unknown who wrote and composed the Christmas carol 'I Saw Three Ships' but the first printed version appeared in the 17th century.
What do the ships in 'I Saw Three Ships' represent?
As Bethlehem is a good way from the coast, it is highly unlikely Mary and Joseph boarded seafaring ships. Instead it is believed that the ships mentioned in the song represent the three ships that carried the purported relics of the Three Wise Men to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century or perhaps they refer to the camels the wise men rode to visit baby Jesus, as camels are known as the ships of the desert.
Either way it remains a much-loved Christmas carol
What are the lyrics to ' I Saw Three Ships'?
As I sat on a sunny bank, A sunny bank, a sunny bank, As I sat on a sunny bank On Christmas-Day in the morning.
I spy'd three ships come sailing by, Come sailing by, come sailing by, I spy'd three ships come sailing by On Christmas-Day in the morning.
And who should be with these three ships, With these three ships, with these three ships, And who should be with these three ships But Joseph and his Fair Lady.
O he did whistle, she did sing, And all the bells on earth did ring For joy that our Saviour Christ he was born On Christmas-Day in the morning
Find more lyrics to your favourite Christmas carols here
Image credit: Getty Images