The Twelve Days of Christmas


To many, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a delightful and nonsensical rhyme set to beautiful music. Considering its historical origins, the song had a very serious purpose when it was written and is in fact more than just a list of strange gifts set to music. In England during the period 1558 to 1829, Catholics were prohibited from any practice of their faith, private or public. To avoid persecution and certain death, Catholic leaders created this musical allegory as a teaching tool to instruct young people in their faith. The hidden meanings are listed below.

THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS
A partridge in a pear tree - Jesus Christ, Son of God

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Two turtle doves - The Old and New Testaments

THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Three French hens - Faith, Hope, and Charity (the Theological Virtues)

THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Four calling birds - The Four Gospels Which Sing the song of Salvation

THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Five gold rings - The Five Books of the Old Testament

THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Six geese a-laying - The Six Days of Creation

THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Seven swans a-swimming - The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Eight maids a-milking - The Eight Beatitudes

THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Nine ladies dancing - The Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Ten lords a-leaping - The Ten Commandments

THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Eleven pipers piping - The Eleven Faithful Apostles

THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
The Twelve Points of the Doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed