What is the Meaning of the "The Twelve Days of Christmas"?

As in some countries today, religious wars in England once made it dangerous to practice "the wrong" faith. Many people practiced their religion in secret. As the legend goes, faithful families courageously developed unique ways to secretly pass their tradition onto their children. “The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a fun way to pass along tradition.

The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

A partridge is a bird that is known to sacrifice its life for its babies. This bird represents Jesus, who is willing to give his life for us. The pear tree symbolizes the Cross.

The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves

Turtle doves often mate for life, so they are seen as symbols of love, fidelity, and connection. Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testament, which are deeply connected and meaningful.

The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens

Three French hens signify the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love (or charity).

The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds

Four calling birds symbolize the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which spread the good news of Jesus’ life and teachings.

The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings

Five golden rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or the Torah. These books include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese A-Laying

Six geese a-laying symbolize the six days of creation, emphasizing God's power as the creator of the world.

The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans A-Swimming

Seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2): wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and piety.

The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids A-Milking

Eight maids a-milking symbolize the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3-10):
 
 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine ladies dancing represents the nine fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords A-Leaping

Ten lords a-leaping signifies the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17).

The Ten Commandments:
1 .  I am the Lord your God: You shall not have other gods beside me.
2.  You shall not invoke the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
3.  Remember to sabbath day - keep it holy.
4.  Honor your father and your mother.
5.  You shall not kill.
6.  You shall not commit adultery.
7.  You shall not steal.
8.  You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
9.  You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

he Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful disciples of Jesus: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Younger, Simon, and Jude.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the core beliefs of Christianity.

The Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,  and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.

On Christmas Day and every day, celebrate the birth of Jesus!