THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

According to folklore, the words of The 12 Days of Christmas are said to be full of symbolism once used to help young Catholics learn the tenets of their faith. Therefore, my true love refers to God, the turtle doves represent the Old and New Testaments and the three French hens are faith, hope and charity. The calling birds refer to the four gospels and the golden rings to the first five books of the Old Testament, the history of man’s fall from grace. The geese a-laying refer to the six days of creation, the swans a-swimming to the seven sacraments, the maids a-milking to the eight beatitudes and the dancing ladies to the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. The lords a-leaping are the 10 Commandments, the pipers the 11 faithful apostles and the drummers mark the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed.