The Twelve Days of Christmas

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRIST-MAS

From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not able to practice their faith openly so they had to find other ways to pass on their beliefs. This song is one way they did it, each item in the song represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help Christians learn their faith.

MY TRUE LOVE - Christ Himself born on Christmas to “give gifts” to mankind. Ephesians 4:8

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE - The partridge symbolized Christ; God’s greatest gift, who longs to gather us under his wings. The pear tree reminds us of the fruit tree in Paradise that brought death to mankind, as well as the Tree of the Cross that gives eternal life. This is the most important gift Christ gave us, which is why the line is repeated.

TWO TURTLE DOVES - The Old and New Testament, both inspired by the Holy Spirit, symbolized by a dove. The sacrifice Mary and Joseph offered when they presented Jesus in the temple.

THREE FRENCH HENS - The 3 great virtues: Faith Hope and Love that Paul speaks of in 1 Cor. 13:13; also the 3 gifts of the Magi.

FOUR CALLING BIRDS - The four Gospels: like birds crying out, they proclaim the coming of Christ and His saving work.

FIVE GOLDEN RINGS - The first 5 books of the Old Testament which set forth the laws of God. The Bible says the law of God is more precious that gold (Psalm 19:10,11) and shall not pass away. the round ring represents eternity.

SIX GEESE A LAYING - The six days of creation. Its fall and rebirth. Eggs symbolize rebirth.

SEVEN SWANS A SWIMMING - The 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding. counsel, fortitude. knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord that make the follower of Christ noble; swans symbolize nobility.

EIGHT MAIDS A MILKING - In the NT the 8 beatitudes which illustrate the Christian way of life. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5:3-10), Christ especially praises those who are lowly and humble-like serving girls who milk cows.

NINE LADIES DANCING - The 9 fruits of the Spirit in Gal 5:22. These gifts make the Christian life a joyful experience - like dancing.

TEN LORDS A LEAPING - The ten commandments.

ELEVEN PIPERS PIPING - The 11 apostles who spread the Good News like pipers playing songs wherever they went.

TWELVE DRUMMERS DRUMMING - The 12 tribes of Israel. the 12 statements of faith in the creed which we should drum into our hearts and minds.