Almost 12 years ago, the Christmas carol “12 days of Christmas” took on a whole new meaning for me. At that time, I sat listening to the priest’s homily during Christmas mass and in his homily he explained the history of the song. I want to share that with you today.
As the story goes, between 1558 and 1829 Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly, so someone wrote the song, which for Catholics had hidden meaning.
True love – God
Partridge in a pear tree – represents Jesus Christ
Two turtle doves – Old and New Testament
Three French Hens – virtues of faith, hope and love
Four Calling Birds – four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five Golden Rings – the first five books of the Bible called the Pentateuch
Six Geese a Laying – 6 days of creation
Seven Swans swimming – the 7 gifts of the spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety and wonder (fear of the Lord) and the 7 sacraments (baptism, Eucharist, Penance, confirmation, marriage, anointing of the sick, holy orders)
Eight maids milking – the 8 beatitudes given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. (Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God; blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted; blessed are the meek; for they will inherit the earth; blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied; blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy; blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God; blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.)
Nine ladies dancing – nine fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Ten lords leaping – the ten commandments
Eleven pipers piping – 11 faithful apostles
Twelve drummers drumming – the 12 points of the Apostle’s Creed:
- I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
- I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
- He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
- He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
- He descended into hell, on the third day he rose again from the dead.
- He ascended into heaven and is seated and the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit,
- The Holy Catholic Church;
- The communion of saints;
- The resurrection of the body; and
- Life everlasting. Amen.
As I mentioned in an earlier post – the 12 days of Christmas (in most Christian traditions of the West) represents the time from December 25 through January 6. For Catholics, the Christmas season goes a little longer, from December 25 to January 10 – the baptism of the Lord. The Octave of Christmas represents the eight days from Christmas to New Year’s Day, which is the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, a holy day of obligation for Catholics.
I hope you enjoyed these fun facts and that the song takes on new meaning for you as well. God bless you!
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