When Oliver Cromwell came to power in England, Catholics were not
permitted to practice their faith openly. Tradition holds that Catholic parents developed "The Twelve Days of
Christmas" to teach children their beliefs.
The partridge in a pear tree
represents Jesus
(the partridge will sacrifice its life to save its young).
Two turtle doves
: The Old and New
Testaments
Three French hens
: Faith, hope, and
charity, or the three gifts of the Wise Men
Four calling birds
: The four
Evangelists--Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Five golden rings
: The first five
books of the Old Testament
Six geese a-laying
: The six days of
creation described in Genesis
Seven swans a-swimming
: The seven gifts of
the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, piety,
and fear of the Lord)
Eight maids a-milking
: The eight
Beatitudes
Nine ladies dancing
: The nine choirs of
angels
(Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels,
and regular angels); or the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace,
kindness, goodness, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control).
Ten lords a-leaping
: The Ten
Commandments
Eleven pipers piping
: The eleven
faithful Apostles
Twelve drummers drumming
: The twelve points
of belief in the Apostles' Creed
Merry Christmas Everyone ! May the Lord bless and keep you !!
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