12 Days of Christmas
The Symbolism of the 12 Days of Christmas
Most people are familiar with
the Christmas song, “The 12 Days of Christmas,” even though many
folks might have a bit of trouble keeping the lines of the song straight after
about the sixth day! This song has been sung for generations, and is a
traditional part of the Christmas season. There have even been many versions of
the song that have come out, since the structure lends itself well to variation
and even humor. But did you ever stop to think what this seemingly nonsensical
song really is about?
While there is some disagreement over the actual
purpose for “The 12 Days of Christmas” among historians, the theories
regarding this fun and lively song are quite intriguing.
What are the 12 Days of Christmas?
First, the 12 days of Christmas stand for the days of Epiphany, which in most cultures begins on December 26 and goes until January 6. The western church celebrates this time as the period it took the magi to arrive to see the Christ child. Some cultures even call January 6 Three Kings Day, and some celebrate that date as their gift-giving day of the season. This is to symbolize the gifts that the kings brought to Jesus, of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Other cultures traditionally give a gift on each of the 12 days of Christmas, just as the song goes. Other cultures have modified the 12 days of Christmas into a pagan celebration that celebrates the changing of the year and the driving out of evil spirits at this pivotal time.
Some historians have found evidence to suggest that the gifts given in The 12 Days of Christmas are symbols that the Catholic Church created to help teach catechism to Catholic children. This theory dates back to the 16th century, during the religious wars in England. Each of the gifts represents a fundamental point of the Catholic faith. For example, the “true love” cited in the song was God, and the “me” that is the recipient of the gifts represents every baptized believer of the faith. Each of the gifts represents a different aspect of catechism to remember. The “partridge in a pear tree” stands for Jesus Christ, “two turtle doves” represent the Old and New Testaments and “three French hens” are for the three theological virtues of faith, hope and love.
The song continues on in this manner, until you get to the “twelve drummers drumming,” which refer to the twelve points of the Apostles Creed. Isn’t it interesting that a fun children’s song called “The 12 Days of Christmas” can carry so much hidden meaning for the Christian church? After all, the birth of Jesus Christ is what Christmas is all about for believers of the faith everywhere.
Explore more about the 12 Days of Christmas
CHRISTMAS-CAROLS.NET : The 12 Days of
Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas On the first
day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear
tree.
http://www.christmas-carols.net/carols/twelve-days.html
12 Days of Christmas
In the church "Christmas"
refers to a twelve day period that starts with Christmas day. This is where
"The Twelve Days of Christmas" comes from. The world celebrates Christmas for
twelve hours, but the Church celebrates it for twelve days because the gift of
Christ is with us for twelve months of the year.
Christmas
Decorations And Social Customs
In many countries, businesses, schools,
and communities have Christmas parties and dances in the weeks before
Christmas. Christmas pageants may include a retelling of the story of the birth
of Christ. Groups may visit neighborhood homes to sing Christmas carols. Others
do volunteer work or hold fundraising drives for charities.
Howstuffworks "What are the 12 Days of
Christmas?"
During the holiday season, "The Twelve Days of
Christmas" is heard everywhere from shopping malls to television commercials to
church functions. Everywhere you go, you can hear about Two Turtle Doves, Seven
Swans-a-Swimming and Eleven Pipers Piping. But what does any of this mean? What
does a song about doves, hens and geese have to do with Christmas?
Christmas Party Ideas For
Memorable Holiday Celebrations
Christmas parties are thrown for a wide
variety of guests, and each should be considered in order to be a success.
Christmas parties can be for family, friends, office co-workers, or one big
combined party. Here are some ideas for different guests in mind:
