The Twelve Days of Christmas with a Christian Twist

I was reading thru an email I got (KCC Women's Ministries E-Newsletter), and ran across this cute article...


An internet urban myth claims that the popular song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is much more than simply a nonsense song for children. It suggests that it is a song of Christian instruction dating from the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith; a mnemonic device to teach the catechism to youngsters. Thus, the "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself and the "me" who receives the presents refers to believers. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that is important for children to learn. So while our research on the Internet exposes this claim as an urban myth, and it was never used as a secret way to teach children about Jesus, it’s delightful all the same, so we hope you enjoy it.

The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus Christ.
The two turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments.
The three French hens stands for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds are the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
The five golden rings recall the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stands for the six days of creation.
The seven swans a-swimming represent the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking are the eight beatitudes. The nine ladies dancing are the nine attributes of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
The ten lords a-leaping remind us of the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stands for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.