Twelve Days of Christmas

Last Sunday our Sunday School teacher gave us this information about the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. I had never known this information before, and I'm not sure where he found it.

The Origin of the Twelve Days of Christmas

To many, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a delightful and nonsensical rhyme set to beautiful music. Considering its historical origins, the song had a very serious purpose when it was written and meant a great deal more than a simple repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of very strange gifts.



In England, during the period of 1558 to 1829, Catholics were prohibited from any practice of their faith (private or public). To avoid persecution and certain death, Catholic leaders created this musical allegory as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian Faith. The hidden meanings listed below, were understood by those of the Christian Faith.

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree= Jesus Christ, Son of God



2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments



3 French Hens =Faith, Hope and Charity (the Theological Virtues)



4 Calling Birds=The Four Gospels Which Sing the Song of Salvation



5 Gold Rings = The Five Books of the Old Testament



6 Geese a-Laying = The Six Days of Creation



7 Swans a-Swimming=The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit



8 Maids a-Milking= The Eight Beatitudes



9 Ladies Dancing=The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit



10 Lords a-Leaping=The Ten Commandments



11 Pipers Piping=The Eleven Faithful Apostles



12 Drummers Drumming =The Twelve Points of the Doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Also, in REAL SIMPLE magazine (my favorite) it showed that the actual gifts in The 12 Days of Christmas would cost $21,080.10.

I hope you have a safe and Merry Christmas!

Luke 2: 8-12

"⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^a]">[a] the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."