The Story of the Twelve Days of Christmas...!!!

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The Story of the Twelve Days of Christmas...!!!

The true meaning of a very popular Christmas Carol . . .

There may be one Christmas Carol that has always baffled you.

What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans,

and especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear

have to do with Christmas?

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted

to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol

as a catechism song for young Catholics.

It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden

meaning known only to members of their church. Each element

in the carol was a code word for a religious reality which the children

could remember. It's profoundly symbolic, I hope you enjoy it...!!!

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.

Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.

The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.

The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.

The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit,

Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation,

Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.

The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit - "Love, Joy,

Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness,

Gentleness, and Self Control."

The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.

The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.

The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in

the Apostles' Creed.

Now this is really beautiful what they have done with these images.... Check out "The 25 Days of Christmas!"

It used to be on another webiste, but apparently they have swapped thre rights to do this - but it is

really beautiful! GO THERE

So, there is your history for today.

This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and

enlightening and now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol.

This Cheery Christmas Site belongs to:
Dennis Hengstebeck

Would you like to join in the fun?

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