Behind the Meaning of the Twelve Days of Christmas (Religious Content)

[Monica]

For all of those who are wondering... Here's something I 'found' that you might enjoy!


The twelve days of Christmas are not the twelve days before Christmas, but are instead the twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25 until January 5), which is when the three Wise Men or Magi arrived on the scene.

In some families, it was and still is traditional to give Christmas gifts for each of those twelve days, much as gifts are given to children on each of the days of Hanukkah. Some have suggested that the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is actually a song of instruction with hidden meanings to the basic teachings of the Faith. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith


1 Partridge in a pear tree - The One true God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ
2 Turtle Doves - The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens - Faith, Hope and Charity
4 Calling Birds - the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings - The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch" which contain the law condemning us of our sins.
6 Geese A-laying - the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming - the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments of the Catholic faith
8 Maids A-milking - the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing - the nine Fruits of the Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping - the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping - the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming - the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed


More detailed info can be found here about each day...
http://www.cresourcei.org/12days.html

[Peregrine Harlequin]

Very interesting. As much as any religion usually grates on my nerves, I do enjoy learning about things like this. I've never seriously read any sacred books or texts, but I'll usually stick with any shows I run across on the History channel that cover religious topics.

I always think it'd be nice to read the main texts for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, if for no other reason than to better understand their different points of view. But somehow I seem to just stick to reading fantasy novels and bird field guides.

[Monica]

I know what you mean! It all is interesting, even fascinating! But I too usually stick to fantasy, adventure, or bird stuff!

[kensbuns]

Snopes says that is an urban legend sorry!!!

[cfulhage]

Yeah, there was a thread started about this a few weeks ago. If you check out snopes.com, they disprove this legend. Although I like to think its true- it makes sense to me!

[Monica]

Whether or not its true it's still interesting! Ah well!