The Meaning of The 12 Days of Christmas
People often think of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as the days preceding the festival. Actually, Epiphany is the season of the Christian Year that lasts for the twelve days beginning December 25 and lasting until January 6. These days surrounding the holiday Epiphany include the church’s celebration of Christ as the Light of the world and recalls the journey of the magi.
Every day, from December 25 to January 6, was traditionally a part of the Yuletide celebration. Dedicated to mercy and compassion, each day was noted by selfless giving and tender charity. In many cultures, gift giving was not concentrated on a single day, but rather, as in the famous folk song, spread throughout the entire season.
The Church in England was prohibited from practicing their faith openly or in private from 1558 until’29. It was then that ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ song was written to be sung in public without fear of imprisonment. It became a type of catechism. The words to the 12 Days of Christmas song are an allegory with 2 meanings: the literal meaning and the second meaning known only to Christian followers.
Each phrase or word in the carol has an actual religious meaning. “True love” means God and ‘me’ means the Christian believer. On the first day, the partridge in a pear tree is synonymous to Jesus Christ’s coming to save the world.
Sing the song to yourself to figure out the rest of the religious meaning as you browse through the lyrics to the song, 12 Days of Christmas.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me Twelve drummers drumming, Eleven pipers piping, Ten lords a-leaping, Nine ladies dancing, Eight maids a-milking, Seven swans a-swimming, Six geese a-laying, Five golden rings, Four calling birds, Three French hens, Two turtle doves, And a partridge in a pear tree.
Kris King gives free advent calendars with daily Christmas activities to prepare you for Christmas. you will discover more about holiday traditions with many of her activities.
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