The Twelve Days of Christmas The old English

The Twelve Days of Christmas The old English Christmas Carol is more than a pretty tune with strange gifts!

From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. p The song was written to teach young Catholics about their faith in secret. p The hidden meanings of the song’s gifts were intended to help the children remember lessons of their faith. p

The twelve days of Christmas refer to the Christmas season which begins on Christmas Day (the first day of Christmas). p Christmas is not just a day, it is an entire season like Advent, Lent or Easter. p Traditionally the Christmas Season lasted twelve days and ended on the Solemnity of Epiphany when the wisemen came bearing gifts for Jesus. p

Instead of referring to an earthly love, the “true love” mentioned in the song refers to God!

The me who receives the gifts in the song is a symbol for every person!

The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

Two Turtle Doves Represent the Old and the New Testaments.

Three French Hens Faith, Hope and Charity Theological Virtues

Four Calling Birds The Gospels written by the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Five Golden Rings The five books of the Old Testament (sometimes called the Pentateuch), which give the history of our fall from grace.

Six geese-a-laying The six days of Creation

Seven Swans-a-swimming The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

Eight Maids-a-Milking The eight beatitudes

Nine Ladies Dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (our current Catechism of the Catholic Church lists twelve fruits): charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, selfcontrol, chastity

Ten Lords-a-Leaping The Ten Commandments

Eleven Pipers Piping The eleven faithful disciples

Twelve Drummers Drumming The twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.