1. The Twelve Days of Christmas The old English Christmas Carol is more than a pretty tune with strange gifts!

2.  From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly.  The song was written to teach young Catholics about their faith in secret.  The hidden meanings of the song’s gifts were intended to help the children remember lessons of their faith.

3.  The twelve days of Christmas refer to the Christmas season which begins on Christmas Day (the first day of Christmas).  Christmas is not just a day, it is an entire season like Advent, Lent or Easter.  Traditionally the Christmas Season lasted twelve days and ended on the Solemnity of Epiphany when the wisemen came bearing gifts for Jesus.

4. Instead of referring to an earthly love, the “true love” mentioned in the song refers to God!

5. The me who receives the gifts in the song is a symbol for every person!

6. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ.

7. Represent the Old and the New Testaments. Two Turtle Doves

8. Faith, Hope and Charity The Theological Virtues Three French Hens

9. The Gospels written by the four evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John Four Calling Birds

10. The five books of the Old Testament (sometimes called the Pentateuch), which give the history of our fall from grace. Five Golden Rings

11. The six days of Creation Six geese-a-laying

12. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Seven Swans-a-swimming

13. The eight beatitudes Eight Maids-a-Milking

14. Nine Ladies Dancing The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (our current Catechism of the Catholic Church lists twelve fruits): charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self- control, chastity

15. Ten Lords-a-Leaping The Ten Commandments

16. Eleven Pipers Piping The eleven faithful disciples

17. Twelve Drummers Drumming The twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.