The Twelve Days of Christmas

For the past few years, my family and I have attended the Boston Pops Holiday Concert during the Advent season. One of my favorite pieces is their arrangement of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” (You can go to the Pops website and download the music on your I-Pod!) This year, a child sitting in front of me asked her mother what the twelve days of Christmas were. Her mother was unsure, as I imagine many people are unclear.

At one time, the Christmas holiday was celebrated as a 12 day season, spanning from December 25 through January 6, Epiphany. This practice was particularly popular in England. The days were filled with secular revelry, but considered idolatrous among the Puritans. In fact, when the Puritans came to the Americas, they outlawed Christmas from 1659 to 1681 in Massachusetts. Christmas did not become a legal holiday until 1856, and what was recovered was Christmas Day, without the other eleven days.

The song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” may refer simply to the celebration of the Christmas season, or may have deeper theological meaning. There is no clear evidence that the song was used as a type of Catholic catechism, although we cannot prove otherwise. Either way, here is an explanation of the song’s Christians elements, courtesy of carol.org.uk. Enjoy.

1 True Love refers to God

2 Turtle Doves refer to the Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens refer to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues

4 Calling Birds refer to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings refer 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 refer to the six days of creation

7 Swans A-swimming refer to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments

8 Maids A-milking refer to the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing refer to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping refer to the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping refer to the eleven faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming refer to the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed