True Meaning of The Twelve Days of Christmas

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a widely known and beloved carol that was originally used as a tool to help children learn important tenets of Christianity. Each gift within the carol has a meaning. Tradition holds that Catholic parents developed this carol when Oliver Cromwell came to power in England, to teach their children Catholic beliefs, as during this period Catholics were not permitted to practice their faith openly. So, this carol allowed them to openly practice their faith with no one of any other religion being the wiser.

The following are the meanings of each gift sung within this carol:

The Partridge in a Pear Tree: This represents Jesus, as the partridge is a bird that will sacrifice its life to save its young.

Two Turtle Doves: These represent the Old and the New Testaments

Three French Hens: There are two theories on their meaning. The first being Faith, Hope, and Charity. The second being the three gifts of the Wise Men.

Four Calling Birds: These represent the four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Five Golden Rings: The rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six Geese a-laying: These represent the six days of creation, as described in Genesis.

Seven Swans a-swimming: These represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

Eight Maids a-milking: They represent the eight Beatitudes.

Nine Ladies Dancing: There are two theories to what these ladies represent. The first, the nine Choirs of Angels: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and regular Angels. The second, the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Kindness, Goodness, Patience, Gentleness, Faithfulness, and Self-Control.

Ten Lords a-leaping: The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments.

Eleven Pipers Piping: They represents the eleven faithful Apostles.

Twelve Drummers Drumming: This final gift represents the twelve points of belief in the Apostle's Creed.


Links:


http://www.new-life.net/chrtms18.htm



http://www.abcog.org/12days.htm



http://www.answers.org/holidays/twelvedb.html