The Twelve Days of Christmas is a song most people can easily recall as a Christmas Carol that is often sung in Sunday school, holiday concerts and played in shopping malls during Christmas shopping.
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a popular holiday song that may be a song of Christian instruction.
Although the exact history of the song is difficult to track, many theologians believe it dates back to the 16th century. Many people believe that the song’s verses were more than a fun; they had hidden meanings that were used as a mnemonic device to teach catechism to children.
Some people like put a lot of effort in debunking the religious meaning of the song, calling the biblical meaning an urban myth or folklore.
There is little hard evidence to back up either position. People who believe that the origins of the song are the hidden meanings of Bible verses cannot time travel back several hundred years to prove their theory. Likewise, naysayers can spout all the theories they want, but they cannot offer conclusive evidence either.
People who enjoy the spirit of Christmas and like to think there are meaningful messages behind the verses may find the song more meaningful and enjoyable if they consider the biblical verses that may have inspired the lyrics.
Following are the verses of the song and the hidden meanings that many believe are contained in the song.
On the First Day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree – The partridge is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. ‘Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered you under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but you would not have it so…” (Luke 13:34)
On the Second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle doves – The two doves represent the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
On the Third Day of Christmas my true love gave to me three French hens – The three French Hens represents the three theological virtues, faith, hope and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
On the Fourth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me four calling birds. The four calling birds are the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Bible. The Holy Gospels proclaim the Good News of God’s reconciliation to the world in Jesus Christ.
On the Fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five gold rings. The five golden rings are the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or Pentateuch. The five books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
On the Sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six geese a-laying. The six geese are the six days of creation described in Genesis 1.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans a swimming. The seven swans are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading and compassion. (Romans 12:6-8; Corinthians 12:8-11).
On the Eighth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight maids a-milking. The eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-10.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit.
- Blessed are those who mourn.
- Blessed are the meek.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
- Blessed are the merciful.
- Blessed are the pure in heart.
- Blessed are the peacemakers.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
On the Ninth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing. The nine ladies are the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Galatians:5:22)
On the Tenth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten Lords a-leaping. The ten Lords are the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17.
- You shall have no other gods before me.
- Do not make an idol.
- Do not take the Lord’s name in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and mother.
- Do not murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- Do not bear false witness.
- Do not covet.
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping. The eleven pipers are the eleven faithful Apostles, including: Simon Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James bar Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas bar James. (Luke 6:14-16). This list excludes the twelfth Apostle, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming. The twelve drummers are the twelve points of the doctrine in 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 had of the Father.
- He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- I believe in the Holy Spirit.
- the Holy catholic (Christian) Church.
- the communion of saints,
- the forgiveness of sins,
- the resurrection of the body,
- And life everlasting.
The Traditional Twelve Days of Christmas begin on Christmas Day and last until the epiphany on January 6.Twelve Days of Christmas Start on December 25
Xmas is Historic Christian Word for Christmas
Merry Xmas!
