The Origin of “The 12 Days of Christmas”

When most people hear of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” they think of the
song. This song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people
in the meaning and content of the Christian Faith.

From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholic’s in England were not able to practice
their faith openly so they had to find other ways to pass on their beliefs.
The song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is one example of how they did it
and is in a sense an allegory. Each of the items in the song represents
something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was
designed to help young Christians learn their faith.

So the next time you hear “The Twelve Days of Christmas” consider how this
otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian
faith.

The song goes: On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me… The
“true love” represents God and the “me” who receives these presents as the
Christian.

The “partridge in a pear tree” was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift
from God.

The “two turtle doves” were the Old and New Testaments – another gift from
God.

The “three French hens” were faith, hope and love – the three gifts of the
Spirit that abide. (I Cor. 13)

The “four calling birds” were the four Gospels which sing the song of
salvation through Jesus Christ.

The “five golden rings” were the first five books of the bible also called
the Books of Moses. (Pentateuch)

The “six geese a-laying” were the six days of creation.

The “seven swans a-swimming” were the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. (I
Cor. 12:8-11; Rom. 12; Eph. 4; I Pet. 4:1&11)

The “eight maids a-milking” were the eight beatitudes.

The “nine ladies dancing” were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The “ten Lords a-leaping” were the Ten Commandments.

The “eleven pipers piping” were the eleven ‘faithful’ disciples.

The “twelve drummers drumming” were the twelve points of the Apostles’
Creed.

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