The 12 Days of Christmas: Unwrapped and Explained
PLEASE NOTE: This page offers accurate information about the tradition of the 12 Days of Christmas, explores the origins and meaning of the famous song, and adds a touch of humor to the subject.
What Are the 12 Days of Christmas?
The 12 Days of Christmas span the period between Christmas Day and Epiphany (January 6th), traditionally recognized as the day the three wise men arrived to honor baby Jesus. Contrary to popular belief, these are not the 12 days leading up to Christmas.
While the practice of giving a gift on each of the 12 days has largely faded, some families continue to uphold this festive tradition.
The Song: “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
Most people recognize the 12 Days of Christmas through the well-known song. At first glance, its lyrics seem like playful nonsense, but the song has deeper roots and a meaningful purpose.
The Origin of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
An Underground Catechism
During the period from 1558 to 1829, Catholics in England faced severe persecution and were forbidden from practicing their faith openly. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was composed as a “catechism song” to help young Catholics remember key elements of their faith without attracting the attention of authorities.
Disguised as a nonsensical tune about peculiar gifts, the song served as a memory aid. Even if questioned, Catholics could pass it off as harmless rhyming fun. Interestingly, the teachings embedded in the song are largely ecumenical and could align with Protestant beliefs if needed.
The gifts mentioned in the song carry symbolic meanings related to the teachings of the Catholic faith.
- “True Love”: Refers to God.
- “Me” (the recipient): Represents every baptized person, symbolizing the Church.
- “Partridge in a Pear Tree”: Symbolizes Jesus Christ. The imagery recalls Christ’s lament over Jerusalem:
“Jerusalem! Jerusalem! How often would I have sheltered thee under my wings, as a hen does her chicks, but thou wouldst not have it so…”
The 12 Gifts and Their Hidden Meanings
Here’s a breakdown of the gifts and their religious symbolism:
- Partridge in a Pear Tree: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
- Two Turtle Doves: The Old and New Testaments.
- Three French Hens: Faith, Hope, and Charity (the theological virtues).
- Four Calling Birds: The Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
- Five Golden Rings: The first five books of the Old Testament (Pentateuch), which reveal humanity’s fall into sin.
- Six Geese A-Laying: The six days of creation.
- Seven Swans A-Swimming: The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and the seven sacraments.
- Eight Maids A-Milking: The eight Beatitudes.
- Nine Ladies Dancing: The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
- Ten Lords A-Leaping: The Ten Commandments.
- Eleven Pipers Piping: The eleven faithful apostles.
- Twelve Drummers Drumming: The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.
Source of Symbolism:
The meanings were compiled from an article by Fr. Hal Stockert of Fishnet and further supported by additional resources, including the Catholic Information Network.
Enjoy this fascinating blend of history, tradition, and faith as you explore the true meaning behind “The Twelve Days of Christmas”!
On another note:
The song is symbolic of a catechism. I know that. However, I didn’t always know that. Once I tried sending my true love of the time the twelve gifts of Christmas, figuring that would impress her. I wanted to see what her reaction would be. I have read of others trying it, but their accounts were rather gross and they used the wrong dates and wrong gifts. Anyway, my true love was very good at writing thank-you notes, so I have it well documented. NOTE: After this act, she withdrew from being my true love, so I will withhold her real address and name.
Following are the replies to each of the 12 gifts:
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 26
Dearest Bill:
I went to the door today and the postman delivered a partridge in a pear tree. What a wonderful thoughtful gift! I couldn’t have been more surprised.
With deepest Love and Devotion,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 27
Dearest Bill:
Today the postman brought your most wonderful gift. Just imagine – two turtle doves! I’m delighted at your very sweet gift. They are just adorable. I will have to get a cage for them.
With deepest Love,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 28
Dearest Bill:
Oh! Your third gift arrived! You really went too far, I think. I don’t deserve such generosity – three French hens. They are just lovely, but I must protest – you’ve been way too kind.
Love,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 29
Dearest Bill:
Today the postman delivered four calling birds. Now, really, they’re quite nice, but now I have 10 birds and nowhere to put any more….so please, no more birds!! But, thanks.
Affectionately,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 30
Dearest Bill:
What a surprise! Another present….and not a bird this time! Wow! Today the postman delivered five golden rings, one for each finger. You’re just too extravagant, but I love it! Frankly, all those birds squawking were beginning to get on my nerves, but the rings are wonderful…and so quiet!!
All my love,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
December 31
Dear Bill:
When I opened the door there were actually six geese a-laying on my front steps. So you’re back to the birds again, huh? Those geese are huge! And it was bird poop that they were laying..complete with a large count of coliform bacteria. Where will I ever keep them? The neighbors are complaining. The police came by with a formal complaint, and I couldn’t sleep through all the racket. I guess I have my own noise-makers for the new years eve celebration tonight.
Please stop. NO MORE BIRDS!!
Cordially,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
January 1
Bill:
Happy New Year…to some people. It hasn’t been so happy with me. What’s with you and those dumb birds? Seven swans a-swimming. What kind of practical joke is this? There’s bird guana all over the house and they never stop squawking. I could not sleep all night and I was a nervous wreck. You have gone too far, birdbrain. STOP SENDING BIRDS. NO MORE BIRDS!! GOT IT?
Sincerely,
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
January 2
OK, WISE GUY:
I think I prefer the birds over this. What am I going to do with eight maids a-milking? It’s not enough with all those birds and eight maids a-milking, but they had to bring their cows. Have you ever smelled a yard full of cow patties? Their piles are all over the lawn, and I can’t move in my own house. Leave me alone. NO MORE OF YOUR “GIFTS”.
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
January 3
Hey, Vacuum-for-a-brain:
What are you? Some kind of freak? Now there’s nine ladies dancing…right in the smelly you-know-what and tracking it all over my house. The way they’ve been bickering with the milkmaids, I hesitate to even call them ladies. You’ll get yours, buddy.
Sara
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
January 4
You rotten piece of cow patty:
What’s with the ten lords a-leaping? I have threatened to break their legs so that they can never leap again. All 23 of the birds are dead. They’ve been trampled to death by the leapers, the dancers, and the cows. At least, I don’t have to worry about them anymore. However, the cows are mooing all night having gotten diarrhea. My living room is a sewer! The City Commissioner has subpoenaed me to give cause why my house shouldn’t be condemned.
I’m filing a complaint to the police about you!
One who means it.
Miss Sara Truelove
Somewhere, USA
January 5
Listen, brainless:
Now there are eleven pipers piping. And they never stop piping…except when they’re chasing those maids or dancing girls. The cows are getting very upset and are sounding worse than the birds ever did. What am I going to do? There is a petition going around to evict me from the neighborhood.
I hope you’re satisfied, you rotten, vicious swine.
Your sworn enemy,
Sara
Law Offices
Sue, Pillage, and Plunder
1313 Grunge St
Somewhere, USA
January 6
Dear Sir:
This is to acknowledge your latest gift of twelve drummers drumming which you have seen fit to inflict on our client, Miss Sara Truelove. The damage, of course, was total. She was found beating her head against the wall to the beat of the twelve drums. If you should attempt to reach Miss Truelove at Happy Glen Sanitarium, the attendants have instructions to shoot you on sight. With this letter please find attached a warrant for your arrest.
Cordially,
Law Firm of
Sue, Pillage, and Plunder
These letters were fun to read and they do make you think. Something on my heart for you is to ask you to remember that Jesus IS the reason for the Season. Without His coming to the Earth there would be no Christmas. He came for YOU! He will continue to knock on your door until you let him in.
Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Is this the year? Is this the day? Is this the hour, minute you will let Him in?
God loves YOU and he has a plan for you:
Jeremiah (29:11) For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (29:12) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. (29:13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
If you have any questions about Jesus and His eternal Love, compassion, and Grace for you please contact me via email Chris or if you have a prayer request, you can submit it through the following link to my local church: Calvary Chapel Lexington – Prayer Request
God Bless You! I pray that you and your family have a peaceful and Merry Christmas!