The Newman Catholic Center last evening after our snow fall…

The song “The 12 Days of Christmas” is known for the lengthy, strange (to our ears) list of items that celebrate Christmas for 12 days (which also seems strange since most stores here in the United States on December 26th have already started to put out Valentine’s Day merchandise).  The “12 days” usually refers to the length of time from December 25th – the Nativity of the Lord to January 5th, which is the Eve of the traditional celebration of the Epiphany – (which for Catholics in the US is moved to the First Sunday after January 1st).  The Epiphany was considered the “end” of the Christmas season (although you’ll find people in the Church who will argue that Christmas season goes to “The Baptism of the Lord” which is usually the Sunday after the Epiphany – and others who would point to February 2nd the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord).

There was some research into the origins of the traditional song that points to Catholic symbolism of each of the things described in the 12 days of Christmas:

1st day – “my true love sent to me… a partridge in the pear tree”: the “true love” is Jesus himself – and the partridge is the gift of himself, because partridges have been described as a bird willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their young from predators.

2nd day – “two turtle doves” – turtle doves would have been a traditional offering when Jesus was born on the part of the parents as a symbol of love, respect and adoration to God.  The turtle doves are a symbol of the sacramental love between husband and wife because the birds themselves are described as staying with their partners for life.  The turtle doves have also been cited as a symbol of the Old and New Testament – and the two natures (divine and human) of Jesus.

3rd day – “three French hens” – the three French hens symbolize the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love.

4th day – “four calling birds” – represent the four evangelists (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) who spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth

5th day – “five golden rings” – represent the first five books of the Old Testament – “The Pentateuch” – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy – considered the most important of the Hebrew Scriptures from Creation of the world to the death of Moses.

6th day – “six geese a-laying” – represent the 6 days of creation

7th day – “seven swans a swimming” – represent the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord) and the 7 sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick)

8th day – “eight maids a milking” represent the eight beatitudes – which is the core of Jesus teaching

9th day – “nine ladies dancing” represent the 9 fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control)

10th day – “ten Lords a leaping” represent the 10 commandments: (1 – You shall have no other gods before Me. 2- You shall not make idols. 3- You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. 4- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 5- Honor your father and your mother. 6- You shall not murder. 7 – You shall not commit adultery. 8 -You shall not steal. 9- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. 10 – You shall not covet.)

11th day -“11 pipers piping” represent the 11 faithful, loyal apostles 1- Simon (Peter) 2- Andrew 3- James (son of Zebedee) 4 – John, 5- Philip 6 – Bartholomew, 7 – Thomas, 8 – Matthew 9 – James 10 – Thaddaeus 11 – Simon

12th day – “12 drummers drumming” represent the 12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed: 1: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. 2: And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. 3: Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4: He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  5: He descended into hell. The third day he arose again from the dead. 6: He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  7: He will come again to judge the living and the dead.  8: I believe in the Holy Spirit, 9: the holy catholic Church, the Communion of Saints 10: the forgiveness of sins,
11: the resurrection of the body  12: life everlasting.