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The Twelve Days of Christmas
The story goes that from 1558 until 1829 people in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. During this era, the song ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ was written as a subtle way of celebrating Christ’s birth in public without risk of prosecution. The song’s lyrics had a hidden meaning known only to members of the church, each element of the twelve days offering code meaning for a religious reality.
On the first day of Christmas
My True Love gave to me. True Love is Heavenly Father
The partridge in a pear tree stood for Jesus Christ
The two turtledoves stood for the Old and New Testaments
Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and charity.
The four calling birds were the four gospels
The five gold rings represented the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation
And I, God, said: Let there be light; and there was light
Seven swans a-swimming signified the sevenfold gifts of the Spirit.
The eight maids a-milking represented the beatitudes.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Spirit
longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed
of the Catholic Church
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