The Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas

The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a British Christmas carol. From 1558 until 1829, Catholics in England could not practice their Faith in an open manner. During this period, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written as a special song for young Catholics to teach them about their Faith. It was a 'catechism song.'

Each gift had a hidden meaning that would teach the children. "True Love" is God—not a smitten boyfriend or girlfriend. So all the gifts "given to me" are gifts from God.

The Partridge in a pear tree is Jesus on the wood of the Cross. The reason He is described as this bird is that He is viewed as a 'mother partridge who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings; one who is willing to sacrifice self for the life of others.'

In other words, Jesus is the Person Who is willing to die for all and by doing that became a Savior.
The rest of the days have special meanings as well. According to Ann Bell in her book, Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, the meaning is:

Two Turtle Doves—the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Three French hens—faith, hope and love.
Four Calling Birds—the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five Golden Rings—The first five books of the Old Testament which describe creation and the encounter with evil.
Six Geese A-'Laying—The six days of creation which brought forth life and living creatures.
Seven Swans A-Swimming—The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Eight Maids A-Milking—the eight beatitudes.
Nine Ladies Dancing—The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten Lords' A-Leaping—the Ten Commandments.
Eleven Pipers Piping—the eleven faithful disciples.
Twelve Drummers Drumming—the twelve basic points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Source: Fr. Calvin Goodwin, FSSP, Nebraska

Directives from Heaven...

D87 - Divinity of Jesus Christ PDF

Articles…

The History of Christmas
http://www.tldm.org/Christmas/Christmas_history.htm

Meditations for the first Sunday of Advent
http://www.tldm.org/christmas/advent1.htm

Meditations for the second Sunday of Advent
http://www.tldm.org/christmas/advent2.htm

Meditations for the third Sunday of Advent
http://www.tldm.org/christmas/advent3.htm

Meditations for the fourth Sunday of Advent
http://www.tldm.org/christmas/advent4.htm

The Story of the Virgin Birth
http://www.tldm.org/christmas/virginbirth.htm

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"My children, My little humble children, I appeal to you as your Mother, go forward on foot, knock on the doors; bring the light to your brothers and sisters. For those who have been given great grace, much is expected of them." - Our Lady of the Roses, May 26, 1976

"As disciples of the latter days, My children, much shall be asked of you, but I assure you: all that you give in faith and charity shall be returned to you threefold." - Jesus, June 1, 1978

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Revised: March 29, 2012