Three French Hens - The theological Virtues are Faith, Hope, and Charity, and are symbolized by this particular sign.įour Calling Birds - This symbol represents two similar ideas: the four Gospels and their writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.įive Golden Rings - Leaning towards literacy, this stands for the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Two Turtle Doves - The doves represent the Old and New Testaments, the two books that comprise the Holy Bible. Let's take a look at the meaning of the lyrical symbolsĪ Partridge in a Pear Tree - This represents Jesus Christ, the son of God and savior to the Christian world. In this way older, practicing Catholics were able to pass along their religious traditions and teaching to their children without risking punishment. The price to pay for breaking the King's law was often imprisonment, but a severe infraction could lead to death by hanging or beheading.Īs a form of secret protest, Catholics created the seemingly nonsensical lyrics that hide teachings found in the Bible. During the late 16th century, persecuted Catholics in England were actually prohibited from practicing their religion, in all of its forms: written stories, word of mouth, singing, etc. Though entirely secular in its appearance, the song actually contains much deeper meaning. They chronicle the twelve days that the Wise Men followed the star which led them to the manger where baby Jesus lay. The twelve days begin with the birth of the Christ child, and end on January 6th, the Feast of Epiphany. Printed with permission from Catholic Tradition.What is the Meaning of the 12 Days of Christmasĭo you know what is the meaning of the 12 days of Christmas? While most people know the popular Christmas song entitled, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." Many people mistakenly assume that the twelve days precede the birth of Jesus, and end on December 25th. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in The Apostles' Creed. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful Apostles. The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit-Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty, Continency. The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit-Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. The five golden rings rerepresented the first five books of the Old Testament, which describe man's fall into sin and the great love of God in sending a Savior. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The three French hens stood for faith, hope, and love. The two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments The partridge in the pear tree also represents Him because that bird is willing to sacrifice its life if necessary to protect its young by feigning injury to draw away predators.Īccording to Ann Ball in her book, HANDBOOK OF CATHOLIC SACRAMENTALS: The "True Love" one hears in the song is not a smitten boy or girlfriend but Jesus Christ, because truly Love was born on Christmas Day. There are actually Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost. To fit the number scheme, when you reach number 9, representing the Fruits of the Holy Ghost, the originator combined 6 to make 3, taking the 6 fruits that were similar: the fruit in each parenthesis is the that was not named separately.
12 days of christmas code#
Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
12 days of christmas plus#
It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church.
Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. The song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is an English Christmas carol.
0 kommentar(er)
