A history lesson of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas is one of the most famous Christmas songs ever written. It 'been sung for many years, and is known throughout the world. For most it is a delightful hymn, but was originally created with a very serious intent. In England between the years 1558 and 1829, it was illegal to practice Catholicism in public or private. It 'was essentially a crime to be Catholic in England during those years.

The Twelve Days of Christmas was written to help preserve the traditions of the Catholic faith during the years that Catholicism was banned in England. The song is full of symbolism and the fact that it is so well known throughout the world is witness to the faith of the followers of Catholic doctrine. The symbols in the song are as follows:

First verse - "True Love" refers to God
Second verse - "2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments.
Third verse - "3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity.
Fourth stanza - "4 Calling Birds" refers to the Four Gospels or the Four Evangelists.
verse 5 - "5 Golden Rings" refers to the first five books of the Old Testament.
Verse 6 - "6 Geese-a-who" refers to the six days of creation.
Seventh verse - "7 Swans-a-swimming" refers to the seven sacraments.
verse 8 - "8 Maids-a-milking refers to the eight beatitudes.
Ninth verse - "9 Ladies dancing" refers to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.
verse 10 - "10 Lords-a-jump" refers to the ten commandments.
verse 11 - "11 Pipers piping" refers to the eleven faithful apostles.
verse 12 - "12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of belief of the Apostles.

I love this song. And 'by far my favorite Christmas carol. I had no idea about the symbols in the song, until I googled the song lyrics one afternoon. I find it very interesting that a song we all know so well could contain so many hidden meanings. I never imagined it was something more beautiful Christmas carol. It 's always good to learn something new, especially for the great feast of Christmas. I hope you learned something, too. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!