It’s Christmas season again, and one of my favorite Christmas carols, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is heard far and wide from shopping malls to TV commercials and radio stations.
Ever wonder what does a song about a partridge in a pear tree, turtle doves, hens, birds, geese and swans have to do with Christmas?
Here is an interesting symbolism I read online:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Jesus Christ
Two Turtle Doves - The Old and New Testaments
Three French Hens - The three virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity
Four Calling/Collie Birds - Four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Five Golden Rings - First five books of the Old Testament
Six Geese-a-Laying - Six days of creation before God's rest on the seventh day
Seven Swans-a-Swimming - Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight Maids-a-Milking - Eight Beatitudes
Nine Ladies Dancing - Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten Lords-a-Leaping - Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers Piping - Eleven faithful disciples
Twelve Drummers Drumming -Twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed
Interesting symbolism. I don't know the history of how the 12 Days of Christmas was written but this reading of yours sure did some good sense.
ReplyDeleteI never thought that this Christmas song had a deeper meaning to it. The writer of this song must have a Christian background for coming up with such symbolism.
ReplyDeleteI've read about these symbolisms before I always forget them. Thanks for this reminder. :D
ReplyDeleteMe too, I always forget what the 12 days of Christmas means. Thanks, I'll teach this to my son as well. :)
ReplyDeleteI got reminded of the symbolisms again because of this post. Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. We sometimes get so drowned with the celebration that we forget the whole meaning of Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI love that more and more people recognize Christmas as more centered on Christ rather than Santa Claus.
ReplyDeleteI just heard of this. :) Never thought this song is much more than a Christmas song. Thanks for sharing. :D
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to teach kids about these symbols too. that may be a good family bonding activity. :) Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteInteresting! Way back when Christians were persecuted, Christians found wonderful ways to express their faith in symbols. This song is one of them.
ReplyDeleteWow, great symbolism. Now I know what's the meaning of the song and I love it more. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMommy Maye
www.momaye.com
12 days of christmas is what my little one has been singing for the past couple of days.. (wrong lyrics but right tune) hahahaha..
ReplyDeleteSo this how the song means. Now I know. Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I didn't know they actually have symbolism. :D
ReplyDeleteThat's cool! And I thought this was just some old jingle that people love to sing. Now I'll sing it with more meaning :-)
ReplyDeleteI was surprised with the meaning of these items. Thanks for sharing.
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