The twelve days of Christmas is a a popular song sung around Christmas time. However, most people sing it as a silly song with hand motions without knowing the real history behind it. Between 1558 to 1829, Catholics were prohibited from ANY practice of their faith by law - private OR public. It was a crime to BE a Catholic. Because fo this, Christians came with a way to spread to Gospel and teach the basic truths of their faith in code.
A partridge in a pear tree= Christ, the Messiah
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
So the next time you sing about that partridge in a pair tree, think about the history. Sure it's a fun song to sing but it's so much more!
