Facts, Fiction, Myths and Magic
Anne Childers, Staff Writer
Every year at this time the airwaves are full of Christmas music. One enduring Christmas carol is founded in history and surrounded in symbolism. The 12 Days of Christmas dates back to England and the 1500’s. According to the Catholic News Agency, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to openly practice their faith from 1558 until 1829. It is believed someone during that period wrote The 12 Days of Christmas as a catechism teaching tool for young Catholics. On the surface it was just a song about true love and gift giving, but a deeper meaning was encoded in order to help children learn and remember important tenants of the Catholic faith.
There are others who claim there is no truth to any hidden meaning, and the whole romantic notion is fiction and myth. Nevertheless, the Catholic News account presents a compelling argument that aligns with Biblical facts. Take a look for yourself.
On the first day of Christmas—often thought to begin with Christmas Day going forward to January 6, not the days prior to Christmas.
My true love gave to me—God, the one true love of all mankind, gave Jesus his only begotten son to the world on Christmas Day.
A partridge in a pear tree—A partridge will willingly sacrifice its own life for its young and is a fitting symbol for Jesus, who willing died for our salvation.
Two turtle doves—were in the Old and the New Testaments.
Three French hens—these stood for faith, hope, and love.
Four calling birds—are thought to represent the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Five golden rings—represent the first five books of the Old Testament.
Six geese a laying—stands for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a swimming—represents the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy.
Eight maids a milking—represents the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing—are the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, mildness, fidelity, modesty, and chastity.
Ten lords a leaping—represents the Ten Commandments.
Eleven pipers piping—this stands for the eleven faithful apostles.
Twelve drummers drumming—they are meant to symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.
So, fact or fiction, this beautiful old carol provides us all with something to think about during the Christmas season while we remember and honor God’s greatest gift to mankind, our Lord Jesus Christ!!!
Merry Christmas and may God continue to bless us all!