The Story of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

The Twelve Days of Christmas is different from other Christmas carols, in that it doesn't have an evident religious theme, and doesn't seem to deal with the birth of Christ.  Although words such as gold, music, dancing, and food and drink are typically associated with the bounty of the Christmas season they do carry a religious meaning.

The song was created in England while Catholic worship was illegal, (1558 - 1829 CE). Catholics could be sent to prison or even killed if they were caught practicing their faith, they were forced to come up with secretive ways of worshipping.

The Twelve Days of Christmas served as one of many writings that teach the basic elements of Catholicism.  These catechisms were unusual because their wording hid their true meanings.

The partridge in the pear tree is said to symbolize Jesus Christ, a mother partridge protecting her nestlings (Jesus' followers).

Two turtle doves. The Old and the New Testaments.

Three French hens. The Christian virtues of faith, hope and charity.

Four calling birds. The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Five gold rings. The first five books of the Old Testament telling the story of man's fall from grace.

Six geese a laying. The six days of creation.

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 points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The Story of "The Twelve Days of Christmas"

Learn to play beautiful Christmas Carols on your piano -- click here