The Twelve Days of Christmas
The Twelve Days of Christmas are often terribly misunderstood. Even Alexa, the Amazon home interaction device, mistakes them as the twelve days leading to Christmas, rather than what they are, namely the twelve days, counting Christmas, of the Christmas season leading to Epiphany.
The English Christmas carol is filled with hidden imagery. Beginning in the 16th century, rumor has it, when Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly, this carol surfaced as an enigmatic catechism song for them. “My true love” is therefore a hidden reference to Jesus, born on Christmas Day; Jesus is also represented by a partridge in a pear tree because of the bird’s willingness to sacrifice itself if necessary to protect its young by drawing away predators.
The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments
The three French hens stand for faith, hope, and love.
The four calling birds are the four Gospels.
The five golden rings are the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible.
The six geese a-laying are the six days of creation.
The seven swans a-swimming are the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-----Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes.
The nine ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-----Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Meekness, Fidelity, Modesty, and Chastity.
The ten lords a-leaping are the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping are the eleven faithful Apostles.
The twelve drummers drumming are the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed.