“The Twelve days of Christmas”
What is the meaning of such a song and how does it relate to Christmas? The song was published in England in 1780 without music but as a chant or rhyme. According to church ladies Helen Wiley and Lynn Ryan of Grace Church in Bangor, Maine, here is what Helen found out about the Song and its meaning.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during this era wrote a carol or rhyme designed as a catechism for young Catholics. There have been several different versions over the years. About 1909, the latest popular version was made into a song by English composer Frederic Austin.
Based on the words of this tune, the catechism code word definition is this.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “A Partridge in a Pear tree”, (meaning Jesus Christ). On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, "Two Turtle Doves”, (meaning The Old and New Testaments). On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Three French Hens”, (meaning faith, hope and love). On the 4th” day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Four Calling Birds”, (meaning the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Five Golden Rings”, (meaning and recalling the Torah or law, the first five books of the Old Testament). On the 6th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Six Geese a Laying”, (meaning the first six days of Creation). On the 7th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Seven Swans a Swimming”, (meaning seven gifts of the holy spirit – Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy). On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Eight Maids a Milking”, (meaning The Eight Beatitudes). On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Nine Ladies Dancing”, (meaning the nine fruits of Holy Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control). On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Ten Lords a Leaping”, (meaning The Ten Commandments). On the 11th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Eleven Pipers Piping”, (meaning The eleven Faithful Disciples). On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, “Twelve Drummers drumming”, (meaning twelve points of belief in the Apostle’s Creed).
So, there is your history lesson for the Day. Have Merry Twelve Days of Christmas from Helen, Lynn and the members of Grace Church in Bangor. 12/13/2016