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The Twelve Days of Christmas
From the year 1558 to 1829, the Roman Catholic Church in England was forbidden to openly practice the faith. Members of the church developed ways to communicate the gift of faith in a coded song known as The Twelve Days of Christmas. Listed below are the various explanations of the symbols.
The twelve days were from December 25 (Christmas) until January 6 (Epiphany). The ‘true love’ referred to God. The repetition of the melody signified God’s continual renewal of God’s gifts.
A partridge is a symbol of Christ.
A pear tree is a symbol of the salvation of man, just as the ***** tree signified his downfall.
Two turtle doves symbolize the Old Testament sacrifice.
Three French hens, valued for their beauty and rarity, symbolize the gifts of the three Wise Men and the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Four calling birds represent the four major prophets and the four evangelists.
Five golden rings represent the perfect circle of faith: God’s love for us, our love for God and our love for each other.
Six geese a-laying represents the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven works of mercy.
Eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes as well as the eight times during the year that were prescribed at that time for the reception of the Eucharist.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine ranks of angel choirs and the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments.
Eleven pipers are the eleven apostles proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus.
Twelve drummers are the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament and the Twelve points of the Apostles Creed.
From the year 1558 to 1829, the Roman Catholic Church in England was forbidden to openly practice the faith. Members of the church developed ways to communicate the gift of faith in a coded song known as The Twelve Days of Christmas. Listed below are the various explanations of the symbols.
The twelve days were from December 25 (Christmas) until January 6 (Epiphany). The ‘true love’ referred to God. The repetition of the melody signified God’s continual renewal of God’s gifts.
A partridge is a symbol of Christ.
A pear tree is a symbol of the salvation of man, just as the ***** tree signified his downfall.
Two turtle doves symbolize the Old Testament sacrifice.
Three French hens, valued for their beauty and rarity, symbolize the gifts of the three Wise Men and the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Four calling birds represent the four major prophets and the four evangelists.
Five golden rings represent the perfect circle of faith: God’s love for us, our love for God and our love for each other.
Six geese a-laying represents the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven works of mercy.
Eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes as well as the eight times during the year that were prescribed at that time for the reception of the Eucharist.
Nine ladies dancing are the nine ranks of angel choirs and the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Ten lords a-leaping are the ten commandments.
Eleven pipers are the eleven apostles proclaiming the Resurrection of Jesus.
Twelve drummers are the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament and the Twelve points of the Apostles Creed.
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