Did you know that there really are 12 days of Christmas?
By Charles Christian
Most of us know the song, but relatively few realize the significance of the song, “12 Days of Christmas.”
Originating from the 18th Century, the song lists different presents given by a “true love” during each day of Christmas.
While the gifts do not seem very practical, except for maybe the five golden rings, both the gifts listed and the number of days have historical and theological significance, according to Father Stephen Hansen, Pastor of the Cathedral of St. Joseph.
“Each gift is actually a way of teaching key elements of the Christian faith,” Hansen said. “It is also significant that the 12 days of Christmas actually begin on Christmas day and culminate on January 6, with the celebration of Epiphany.”
In Christianity, the new year, or, liturgical (worship) year, begins with Advent, which starts four weeks prior to Christmas.
Christmas, then, begins on December 25.
The worship calendar, according to Hansen, is a journey that believers follow throughout their lives.
Just as the entire liturgical calendar can teach us about elements of the Christian faith, moving through Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, with what is called “ordinary time” in between many of these, the popular song contains symbols to remind the faithful of key elements of Christianity.
“For instance, the two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments; the three French hens represent faith, hope and love — the three theological virtues,” Hansen said.
The list goes all the way through the 12 days, with each “gift” symbolizing a different part of the faith.
This song becomes another of many traditions, including the liturgical calendar itself, that have been used to teach the Christian faith.
Songs and traditions like this were especially useful during times when literacy rates were low.
However, Hansen and other religious leaders agree that, for young and old, following the liturgical calendar and incorporating symbols — including symbols found in the “12 Days of Christmas,” can both teach and reinforce faith all year long.
The complete list symbolized in the “12 Days of Christmas” is:
Partridge in a pear tree: One God (the “true love” can symbolize Chris
Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments of the Christian Bible
Three French hens: Faith, hope and love
Four calling birds: The four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)
Five golden rings: First five books of the Old Testament (The Torah)
Six geese a-laying: Six days of creation
Seven swans a-swimming: Sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight maids a-milking: Eight beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5)
Nine ladies dancing: Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians
10 lords a-leaping: Ten Commandments (in the Book of Exodus)
11 piper piping: The eleven apostles who remained faithful
12 drummers drumming: The 12 points of the Apostles’ Creed
