The Story Behind The Twelve Days of Christmas – Fact or Fiction

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As I searched for information about this carol, I learned that from 1558 until 1829 it was against the law for individuals to practice the Catholic faith in the country of England. Evidently there is a belief that this Christmas Carol was written during this period of history as a way for young Catholics to learn the teachings of their faith through what appeared to be a secular song. The meanings given to the symbols in the song are as follows:

• 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 and 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.

• Snopes.com has an in depth article explaining why they believe this is a fictional rather than factual story behind the lyrics of the song.

The following is true about The 12 Days of Christmas:

They are the days between Christmas on December 25th and Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is the celebration of the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Christ-child. In many cultures, Epiphany rather than Christmas is the day of gift giving. 

And on a humorous note – Buying a set of the gifts named in the classic holiday carol The Twelve Days of Christmas” will cost a true love $155,000 this year according to an annual tongue-in-cheek analysis released earlier this month.

I’ve decided it doesn’t matter if this is historical fact or something that came about in more recent years. I am blessed by the meaning given to these lyrics, and maybe you will listen a little more carefully the next time it plays.

When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy. They came to the house where the child was and saw Him with His mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. They opened their gifts and gave Him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Matthew 2:10-11

Let’s talk: What’s your favorite version of The 12 Days of Christmas? I have two: 1. A funny symphonic and vocal arrangement where the artist actually receives the gifts. (If you know the one I mean, I would love to find it again) 2. Straight No Chaser’s version.

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