The Twelve Days Of Christmas

"For What It's Worth"

Reported by

Peter M. Glendinning

I had never heard this before, but it makes an interesting story whether or not it is true.

It's fascinating when we discover hidden meaning in seemingly unmeaningful traditions. One of the most hidden treasures is the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". It's actually a catechism song. Between the years 1558-1829, English Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Without regular mass, sacraments, or catechism lessons from the priests, there was little parents could do to help their children learn and remember all about their faith. This song was created to keep the Catholic faith in their lives, even though hidden for the time.

Instead of referring to a suitor, the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents symbolizes every believer.

A "partridge in a pear tree" is Jesus Christ. A mother partridge will feign injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings. The children hearing this song would know that and would understand the parallel between the acts of a mother bird and the sacrifice of Christ.

The other symbols continue this symbolism:

2 turtle doves: the old and new testaments
3 French hens: faith, hope and charity
4 calling birds: the four gospels
5 golden rings: the first five books of the old testament which gives history
6 geese a laying six days of creation
7 swans a swimming: seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8 maids a milking: the eight beatitudes
9 ladies dancing nine choirs of angels
10 lords a leaping: the ten commandments
11 pipers piping: the eleven faithful apostles
12 drummers drumming: the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed

Interestingly, if you add up all the days and all the gifts cumulatively as the song goes, it totals 936 gifts in just twelve days! With 365 days in a year, it is a wonderful thought that our Heavenly Father showers us with His gifts all year long!

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