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Meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas Song Matthew Makela
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I received an e-mail recently that gave the real meaning behind the song about the twelve days of Christmas. It appears to be a meaningless song, unless you have the inside information.
From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly, so someone during this time period wrote a carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning and a hidden meaning known only to members of the church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear is was Jesus Christ.
Two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens are faith, hope, and love.
Four calling birds are the four Gospel writers - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Five golden rings are the first five books of the Old Testament (also called the Pentateuch).
Six geese a-laying are the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming are the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit - prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy.
Eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve drummers drumming are the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
(I am trusting that my source is correct, by the way.)
-Pastor Makela
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