In the Church bulletin the other day there was a little section which talked about the hidden meaning behind the song of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Now I don't think I ever knew about this so thought I'd pass it on. There is a nice site on the internet which talks about this: The History of the Twelve Days of Christmas. This song goes back to Catholics trying to survive in a Protestant England and was a way to teach some of the fundamentals of the Catholic faith in code.
The partridge in the pear tree represents Jesus because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.
The two turtle doves were the Old and New TestamentsThe three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels.
The five golden rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament.
The 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.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-----Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience [Forbearance], Goodness [Kindness], Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continency [Chastity].
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.
Original Source: Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska
Printed with permission from Catholic Tradition.
So I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas season and is drawn closer and closer to a deeper relationship with God.
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