Twelve Days of Christmas

The song is fun .. you all know it. On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

It is a song about giving. But there is a deeper meaning to the song. It is a song of coded messages to help English Catholics learn their catechism lessons in secret during the opression of the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries.

I have used this discussion as children sermons for years and I thought I would share it with you. Much of this is excerpted from the book Creating Christmas Memories - published by Zondervan,

The Partridge in a pear tree is repeated over and over and refers to Jesus.

Two turtledoves stands for the old and new testaments.

Three French hens represent faith, hope, and love that never fails.

Four calling birds are the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Five golden rings represent the first five books of the old testaments.

Six geese a laying stands for the 6 days of creation.

Seven swans a-swimming recall the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Eight maids a milking represent the Beatitudes of Christ's teachings in Matthew.

Nine ladies dancing symbolize the 9 types of angels.

Ten lords a-leaping indicate the 10 commandments.

Eleven pipers piping are for the eleven faithful apostles.

Twelve drummers drumming stand for the twelve elements in the Apostles Creed.

There you have it. Once I learned this, I never hear the song without making this association.

MaggieGrace and family will be taking the weekend to spend time together. I may post but only if things are slow and I have a few minutes.

We will be spending Christmas Eve doing the very same thing we have done since I was a small child. Our Christmas Eve is with my extended family at my Uncle's lake house. Homemade doughnuts - gift exchange - lot's of laughter. For me, this year it will be shadowed by the fact that my Grandmother's house was just sold.

I have some signed up for the 12 month challenge. Think about it - wouldn't a less stressful Christmas season be fun. SEE POST FROM 12/21/06 for information.


I wish God's grace for you this year. I wish happiness, health and peace for you this year.

Merry Christmas.