I've been reading a book called Stories Behind The Great Traditions Of Christmas By Ace Collins. This book is full of explanations of how and why we celebrate the season the way we do. I find this kind of thing interesting. Any way I thought you mite be interested in the story of the Twelve days of Christmas. I was quite surprised.
In sixteenth century England all religions except the one of the King were outlawed. To practice another faith could mean prison or death, so the Catholic clerics of the time created poems that were written in code. Now the code translated.
First the Twelve Days of Christmas started on Christmas day and ran to the January 5th, Epiphany.
The words "My true love: is code for God. So these are gifts from God.
A Partridge in a pear tree Stands for Jesus, remember the first day is Christmas. And a partridge is used because a partridge will die to defend its young.
2 turtle doves... the Old and New Testament.
3 french hens... Faith, Hope and Love.
4 calling birds... the four Gospels- Mathew, Mark, Luke and John
5 golden rings... the first five books of the Old Testament-The Pentateuch
6 geese a laying... the six days of creation
7 swans a swimming.. the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit- prophecy,ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and compassion.
8 maids a milking... 8 people who are blessed- the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure of heart, the peacemakers and those persecuted for righteousness sake.
9 ladies dancing... the 9 fruits of the spirit-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentelness and self-control.
10 lords a leaping... lords were also the judges, judges keep the law, Ten Comandments.
11 pipers piping... the eleven disciples
12 drummers drumming... the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed.1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. 5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again. 6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 8. I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, 10. the forgiveness of sins, 11. the resurrection of the body, 12. and the life everlasting.
So there you have it. The meaning to the song The Twelve Days of Christmas.
Remember this is from,Stories Behind The Great Traditions Of Christmas By Ace Collins.
