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CHRISTMAS SONG MEANING:
The 12 Days of Christmas
When most people hear of The 12 Days of Christmas they think of the song. This
song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning
and content of the Christian faith.
Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance.
The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help young Christians learn
their faith. The song goes, On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to
me..." The true love represents God and the "me" who receives
these presents is the Christian.
Here you go:
Partridge in a Pear Tree - Was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from
God. (1 John 2:2).
Two Turtle Doves - Were the Old and New Testaments. Another gift from God. (2
Timothy 3:16 & 17).
Three French Hens - Were faith, hope and love- The three gifts of the Spirit
that abide. (I Corinthians 13).
Four Calling Birds - Were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation
through Jesus Christ. (Matthew; Mark; Luke & John).
Five Golden Rings - Were the first five books of the Bible also called the
"Books of Moses." (Genesis; Exodus; Leviticus; Numbers &
Deuteronomy).
Six Geese A-Laying" - Were the six days of creation. (Genesis 1:1 - 31).
Seven Swans A-Swimming - Were the "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit."
(I Corinthians 12:8 - 11; Romans 12, Ephesians 4; & 1 Peter 4:10 - 11).
Eight Maids A-Milking - Were the eight beatitudes. (Matthew 5:3 - 11).
Nine Ladies Dancing - Were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 &
23).
Ten Lords A-Leaping - Were the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20).
Eleven Pipers Piping - Were the eleven faithful disciples. (Matthew 10:2 - 4).
Twelve Drummers Drumming - Were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.
So, the next time you hear "The 12 Days of Christmas," consider how
this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian
faith.
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