I guess I'm a little slow on the uptake. I didn't realize there was actually some meaning that connected the seemingly random partridge, doves, hens, swans, geese and more in that 12 Days of Christmas song. Someone mentioned this at church council tonight and I'm glad I looked it up.
Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality that made it easier for children to remember. Except I don't think they grew up and shared with their children what the meaning was to pass it on. Or somehow was lost in translation.
But now YOU know...
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 charity.
Four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit – prophecy, serving,
teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership and mercy.
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.
Ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
It totally makes sense. And I'm glad there's deeper meaning. Makes listening to the world's longest Christmas carol worth it, I guess!
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