I think it is safe to say that at some point in our lives, we've heard and maybe laughed at the all-too-silly Christmas song: The Twelve Days of Christmas. I mean, who would sing about three lone hens or geese laying their eggs?
So, let's ask ourselves why anyone would write such a song. Perhaps there is some hidden meaning in this particular song, like some sort of buried treasure we hunt for. Many songs of old contained words of symbolism, so maybe we should be asking ourselves who the ten lords of leaping were or what kinds of cows those 8 milking maidens were milking. It's just nonsense, right? But maybe we should turn a page of history back before the 16th century to discover why....
To my understanding, the origin of this carol is unknown, due to different and conflicting calendars and traditions of the churches. But it is probably accurate to say that it does date back to the 16th century, perhaps during the religious wars in England. Though the historical accuracy of this song is questionable, as some try to label this particular tune as a myth to meet their own agendas, others try to dig for the truth to perhaps find some historical proof as to some Christian background this song may merit. Either way, both sides have claimed to have some evidence to back-up their findings. Whichever the case or whomever is truly right, with there being no documented evidence as to the reason this song was written, both parties are only speculating.
We are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on December 25th--though we are not exactly sure on the day that Jesus was actually born; however, other cultures are known to exchange their gifts on January 6th. Epiphany, which is observed as the celebration of the wise men who brought their gifts, is the time some cultures will celebrate and open presents, in remembrance of the wise men's gifts. In Hispanic and Latin cultures, January 6th is known as The Kings Day. Though the Bible never states just how many Magi came bearing gifts, perhaps through the centuries, people began to associate the three gifts with the three men.
Though we do not truly know much about the origin of The Twelve Days of Christmas, I don't think that gives us any reason to stop us from singing it during our Christmas celebrations. Some of the original symbols of Christianity could not be considered "religious", they were still accepted--and still are--in worship services. Even with our not complete understanding of the background of this song as we are blessed with with so many other Christmas carols and hymns, perhaps its historical accuracy is not as vital to know as some think it may be. I think it's very important to celebrate our Christian heritage, and though there is still much left to be desired to know about the song, it certainly is part of our rich heritage. Most importantly, we should celebrate God's grace, whenever our Christmas traditions might be celebrated.
So now let's look at the meaning of this song, what each "symbol" represents....
#1 .... On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... a partridge in a pear tree
Definition: The "partridge in a pear tree" represents Christ. (We celebrate His birthday on the 25th of January, the first day of Christmas.) Jesus is symbolized as a mother partridge, trying to keep predators away from her nest. We might remember Luke 13:34, in which Jesus describes the fate of Jerusalem. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!"
#2 .... On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... two turtle doves
Definition: The two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testament, together bearing witness of God's greatness and His plan of redemption for His children. Writer's note: this also reminds me of the pair of turtle doves (or pigeons, whichever the person could afford) the children of Israel needed to bring as sacrifices to the Lord. The turtle doves could either be used as the sin offering or as the burnt offering. Whichever the case, the doves were a sacrifice so that God's children could be considered "clean" in His eyes. Again, it was His plan of redemption for His children.
#3 .... On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... three french hens
Definition: The "three french hens" symbolize the three Theological virtues, being faith, hope, and love. (Ref. 1 Corinthians 13:13)
#4 .... On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... four calling birds
Definition: The "four calling birds" represent the four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They proclaim God's plan of restoration of He and His people being reconciled.
#5 .... On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... five golden rings
Definition: The rings signify the Torah, or the Pentateuch, more commonly known to us as the first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy. These books tell of man's sinful nature, but that God's design of a people were created to be the light of the world.
#6 .... On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... six geese a-laying
Definition: In Genesis 1, God created the world in six days; hence, the geese bringing new life into this world, represents the six days of creation.
#7 .... On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... seven swans a swimming
Definition: The seven swans represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion. You may find references of this in Romans 12:6-8 and in 1 Corinthians 12:8-11.
#8 .... On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... eight maids a-milking
Definition: The "eight maids" represent the eight beatitudes, which are found in Matthew 5:3-10. They are as follows: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
#9 .... On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... nine ladies dancing
Definition: I bet you're wondering what could ladies dancing possibly symbolize in the Bible? I am, too...... So! After some guessing, perhaps I could tell you now. The "nine ladies dancing" represent the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Ahhh..... So that would include: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) goodness, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. Wow, and we still have three more to go!
#10 .... On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... ten lords a-leaping
Definition: The ten lords illustrates the Ten Commandments, which you probably already know by heart, but I'll tell you again anyway. So, 1), You shall have no other gods before Me; 2) Do not make an idol; 3) Do not take God's name in vain; 4) Remember the Sabbath Day; 5) Honor your father and mother; 6) Do not murder; 7) Do not commit adultery; 8) Do not steal; 9) Do not bear false witness; 10) Do not covet. You can find them in Exodus 20:1-17.
#11 .... On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... eleven pipers piping
Definition: These "pipers" are the eleven faithful disciples, which include: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. Because Judas Iscariot was a traitor, they deemed it suitable to leave him out of the song. For a reference to the list of disciples, please see Luke 6:14-16.
#12 .... On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me ..... twelve drummers drumming
Definition: You're probably super smart and have already figured out the last one; but just in case you haven't, the drummers represent the twelve points of the Apostle's Creed. They are as follows: 1) I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. 3) He 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. He descended into hell [the grave]. 5) On the third day He rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spirit, 8) the holy catholic Church, 9) the communion of saints, 10) the forgiveness of sins, 11) the resurrection of the body, 12) and life everlasting.
So there you have it! Not quite the nonsensical song we first thought it was, is it? It really does remind us of God's promises, His plans of restoration, and His love, all put to music in a song filled to the fictitious brim with symbols.
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