12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
No one seems to know who wrote what seems to be a nonsensical song, but legend has it as being written during the period of time when Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith without punishment (which would explain why no one credits themselves for penning it).
The song was to help children to remember the tenets of their faith. Many consider this an urban legend though, mainly because everything in the song goes along with both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church doctrine. And that it seems to have a French origin, not English.
Another legend says the religious significance of the twelve days of Christmas lies in the story of the Three Wise Men who arrived from the East with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to attend the infant Jesus. It is said that it took them twelve days to reach Him.
In the carol, the 12 Days Of Christmas:
- "My true love" was God Himself.
- "Me" was any baptized person.
- The partridge, a bird reputed to choose death to defend its young, is an ancient Christian symbol of Christ.
- Two Turtle Doves signify the new and old testaments of the Holy Bible
- Three French Hens, represent the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity.
- Four Calling Birds are the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
- Five Golden Rings represent the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the old testament of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy..
- Six Geese A-Laying signify the six day of creation.
- Seven Swans a Swimming are the seven sacraments, the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
- Eight Maids A-Milking are the Beatitudes which nourish our spirituality.
- Nine Ladies Dancing refer to the nine choirs of angels.
- Ten Lords A-Leaping are the Ten Commandments.
- Eleven Pipers Piping signify the eleven apostles who proclaimed the Resurrection.
- Twelve Drummers Drumming are the twelve basic beliefs enshrined in the Apostle's Creed, which is an ancient baptismal profession of faith.
The next time you hear "The Twelve Days of Christmas", use the occasion to lift your heart and your mind to God, praying for the true peace of the Christian World.
Note: In the original version the first 5 gifts were all birds,
- 1st day = Partridge,
- 2nd day = 2 Turtle Doves,
- 3rd day = 3 French Hens,
- 4th day = 4 Colly Birds (Blackbirds) not Calling birds,
- 5th day = 5 Golden Rings (referred to ring-necked pheasants) not jewelry.