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.