The Twelve Days of Christmas
Linda Dion
December 25, 2024
Most of us know the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and we love to sing along, trying to remember all the twelve elements, but apart from their lovely and engaging nature, there is an added layer of meaning flowing from them. I thought it would be a great opportunity to include this song in the Dreams section because of its highly symbolic value. Many believe that this song was a kind of catechesis for Catholics during the persecution in Ireland, enumerating important tenets of our faith. Although this has never been authoritatively proven, it is a fun song none the less.
A very merry Christmas to all of you!!
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
A Partridge in a pear tree = Jesus Christ
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Two Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
Three French Hens = The 3 virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Four Calling Birds = The 4 Gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Five Golden Rings = The 5 Books
of the Old Testament
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Six Geese-a-Laying = Six days of creation before
God's rest on the 7th day
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Seven Swans-a-Swimming = Seven Gifts
of the Holy Spirit
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Eight Maids-a-Milking = Eight Beatitudes
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Nine Ladies Dancing = Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Ten Lords-a-Leaping = Ten Commandments
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Eleven Pipers Piping = Eleven Faithful Disciples
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me:
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Twelve Drummers Drumming = Twelve Points of Belief
in the Apostles' Creed