12 Days of Christmas

During the time when Catholics were forbidden to practise their faith in England, the 12 Days of Christmas was written as a way to secretly celebrate their faith without the Puritans in knowing. It became popular as a Catechism song. Each item in the song is representative of the doctrines of their faith.

So, what are the meanings........................

• Instead of referring to a suitor, the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God.
  
• The "me" receiving the presents is symbolic of every baptized person.
  
• The partridge in the pear tree is Jesus Christ, and in the song, He is symbolically presented as a mother partridge who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.
• Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
• Three french hens: Faith, hope and charity
  
• Four calling birds: The four Gospels
  
• Five gold rings: The first five books of the Old Testament or the Torah
  
• Six geese a laying: The six days of creation
  
• Seven swans a-swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
  
• Eight maids a-milking: The eight Beatitudes
  
• Nine ladies dancing: The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
  
• Ten lords a-leaping: The Ten Commandments
  
• Eleven pipers piping: The eleven faithful disciples
  
• Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed

I have always loved this song and more so now that I am aware of it's meaning and importance. Merry Christmas