- Day 1 : A partridge in a pear tree
- Day 2 : Two Turtle Doves
- Day 3 : Three French Hens
- Day 4 : Four calling Birds
- Day 5 : Five golden rings
- Day 6 : Six Geese a-laying
- Day 7 : Seven Swans a-swimming
- Day 8 : Eight maids a-milking
- Day 9 : Nine ladies dancing
- Day 10 : Ten Lord a-leaping
- Day 11 : Eleven Pipers pipping
- Day 12 : Twelve Drummers drumming
The ‘12 days of Christmas’ is an ancient carol that has it’s origin from the early Roman Catholic church. It has both musical and religious messages which are said to be hidden underneath it’s lyrics. Some say it is a letter from a Lover stating what is desired from a Beloved. Despite having 31 days on the Christmas calendar, most scholars believe there are really only 12 days of Christmas (December 25th which is the birth of Jesus Christ to Epiphany which is January 1st). But stories say there is a rather deep and more spiritual secrets hidden behind the twelve gifts and they are:
- A partridge in a pear tree = Jesus Christ as symbolically represented by a mother partridge protecting her helpless nestlings.
- 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
- 3 French Hens = Faith, hope, and charity, as the principle theological virtues
- 4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels
- 5 Golden Rings = The first five books of the Old Testament, the “Pentateuch,” which gives the history of man’s fall from grace
- 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation (highlighting life)
- 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
- 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
- 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
- 10 Lords A-leaping = the Ten Commandments
- 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
- 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed
The story goes that the twelve days of gifts are symbols for catechetical learning, particularly aimed at children hoping to learn their catechism, but also serves adults in the realities of the Christian Faith. Though it is one of the least-liked and not-commonly-sung carols, if the Twelve Days of Christmas helps you and your children learn about Jesus and the Bible, then the merrier you will be as you judiciously use these “hidden meanings”.
I would love to know what feeling the ‘12 days of Christmas’ gives to you when you sing it. Is it your favourite carol? If no, what is your favourite carol? Please drop your responses in the comment section as I will be waiting over there to view and respond to them too!!
I hope this blog was educating as it is entertaining? Please like this post if you got value from it and also follow my blog for more inspiring contents. .
Melsa Daily 