The Twelve Days of Christmas Explained

We are familiar with the traditional Christmas Carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. One way to look at it is a brief catechism of Christianity. Next time you sing this song, consider this symbolism:

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The One Partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ (the one savior) in the Tree of Life (the Cross).

Two Turtle Doves represent the Old and New Testaments.

Three French Hens stand for theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love;

or the Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. 

The Four Calling Birds represent the four Evangelists:

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 

The Five Golden Rings recall the Torah or the first five books of the Old Testament:

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

In them we learn of Man’s creation, Man’s fall, and the promise of Man’s redemption.

The Six Geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation:

1. On the first day God divided light from darkness.

2. On day two God separated the water from the sky.

3. On the third day God separated the water from the land.

4. On the fourth day God created the stars and the sun.

5. On day five fish and birds were created.

6. On the sixth day of creation, land animals and man were created.

7.  The Seven Swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold Gifts of the Holy Spirit

wisdom,

understanding,

counsel,

knowledge,

piety,

fear of the Lord, and

fortitude (or courage).

Or the Seven Sacraments:

Baptism

Confession

Communion

Confirmation

Marriage

Anointing of the Sick

Holy Orders

The Eight Maids a-milking represent the Eight Beatitudes of the Gospel of Matthew 5:3-10:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  

The Nine Ladies dancing are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit from Galatians 5:22:

• Love

• Joy

• Peace

• Patience

• Kindness

• Goodness

• Faithfulness

• Gentleness

• Self-control

The Ten Lords a-leaping represent the Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20, Deut. 5)

• I am the Lord your God; you shall no other gods before me.

• You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

• Remember to keep holy the Lord's day

• Honor your father and your mother.

• You shall not kill.

• You shall not commit adultery.

• You shall not steal.

• You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

• You shall not covet your neighbor's wife.

• You shall not covet you neighbor's goods.

The Eleven Pipers Piping stand for the eleven faithful Apostles:

(Simon) Peter and his brother Andrew, John and his brother James, the other Simon (the Zealot), the other James, the other Jude, Bartholomew ( or Nathaniel), Matthew, Philip, Thomas

The Twelve Drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

1.  I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth.
2.  and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord
3.  who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
4.  suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried:  He descended into Hell:
5.  the third day He rose again from the dead.
6.  He ascended into Heaven,
7.  and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
8.  From there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
9.  I believe in the Holy Spirit,
10. one holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
11. the forgiveness of sins,
12. the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.