Did you know "The Twelve Days of Christmas" starts with Christmas Day and finish with the eve of Epiphany on 5th January. It dates back to English origins in the sixteenth century although the music is reputed to be French. The first publication date for The Twelve Days of Christmas was 1780. Each of the day has a religious significance and are symbolized following the lyrics..your never to old to learn something new ;)
1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed
6 comments:
I'm so glad you posted this. I had heard it before, or read it - I'm not sure. Anyway, I was thinkng about it yesterday and couldn't remember what it said or where I could find it.
Thanks so much!
I never knew how the 12 days of Christmas came about...Thank you for posting this...
So interesting--I did not know this, wow!
Thanks so much for sharing this. I can honestly say I have never heard this. Wonderful!
That's so cool... thanks for sharing!
I knew this at one point, but had forgotten. Thanks for reminding me!
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