THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

From 1558 until 1829 Roman Catholics in England weren't allowed to practice their faith openly.  Sometime during that era, this carol was written as a catechism song for young Catholics.  There was a surface meaning and a hidden meaning.  Each element in the carol was a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was of course, Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love.

Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Eight maids a-milking were the eight Beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:8).

Ten lords-a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.

Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

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