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 perhaps one of the most famous Christmas carols ever written. 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?

To most it is a delightful hymn, but it was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years of 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.

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. Most say the Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is steeped in symbolism, and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is a testament to the faith of the followers of the Catholic doctrine.

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.

• 1st verse – "True Love" refers to God and the “me” that is the recipient of the gifts represents every baptized believer of the faith. The “partridge in a pear tree” stands for Jesus Christ.
• 2nd verse – "2 Turtle Doves" refers to the Old and New Testaments.
• 3rd verse – "3 French Hens" refers to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
• 4th verse – "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
• 5th verse – "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five Books of the Old Testament.
• 6th verse – "6 Geese-a-laying" refers to the six days of creation.
• 7th verse – "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
• 8th verse – "8 Maids-a-milking" refers to the eight beatitudes.
• 9th verse – "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
• 10th verse – "10 Lords-a-leaping" refers to the Ten Commandments.
• 11th verse – "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
• 12th verse – "12 Drummers drumming" refers to the twelve points of the Apostle’s 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. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I would never have guessed that it was anything more than lovely Christmas carol. It’s always nice to learn something new, especially about the wonderful celebration of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

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.

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:

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