THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (The Meaning)

The Twelve Days of Christmas

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

This week I found out

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning; the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember;

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testament.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

Four calling birds were the four gospels of: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law.
which is the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-- Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

Eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-- Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.

Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the Apostles' Creed.

This is your history lesson for today. q=^)

Merry (12 days of ) Christmas and remember the 12 days of Christmas are the 12 days following December 25th. The Christmas Season runs until Epiphany, January 6th.

God bless!