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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.
The song was written to teach young Catholics about their faith in secret.
The hidden meanings of the song’s gifts were intended to help the children remember lessons of their faith.
The twelve days of Christmas refer to the Christmas season which begins on Christmas Day (the first day of Christmas).
Christmas is not just a day, it is an entire season like Advent, Lent or Easter.
Traditionally the Christmas Season lasted twelve days and ended on the Solemnity of Epiphany when the wisemen came bearing gifts for Jesus.
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.
Represent the Old and
the New Testaments
.
Two Turtle Doves
Faith, Hope and
Charity
The Theological Virtues
Three French Hens
The Gospels written by the
four evangelists,
Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John
Four Calling Birds
The five books of the Old Testament (sometimes called the
Pentateuch), which give the history of our
fall from grace.
Five Golden Rings
The six days of Creatio
n
Six geese-a-laying
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
wisdom, understanding,
counsel, fortitude,
knowledge, piety and fear of the
Lord.
Seven Swans-a-swimming
The eight beatitudes
Eight Maids-a-Milking
Nine Ladies DancingThe 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, self-control, chastity
Ten Lords-a-LeapingThe Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers PipingThe eleven faithful disciples
Twelve Drummers DrummingThe twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
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