How One Christmas Song Has Catholic Origins

In America, the most popular Christmas song is the Twelve Days of Christmas. Many think that it is the days leading up to December 25th. It refers to the twelve days leading up to the Epiphany. What many may not know is the connection with Catholicism.

The Twelve Days of Christmas was used to help Catholic children to understand their faith. This was common during Sunday school and catechetical formation.

This can be traced back to the 16th Century when Catholic and Protestants would clash in religious wars. It got to the point that Catholics in England had to celebrate their faith in secrecy.

Today, it became a song with nonsense but hidden references to Catholicism.

Here is a breakdown

The First Day of Christmas: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

A partridge is a bird that is known to sacrifice its life for its babies. This bird represents Jesus, who is willing to give his life for us. The pear tree symbolizes the Cross.

The Second Day of Christmas: Two Turtle Doves

Did you know that turtle doves often mate for life? Because of this, they are seen as symbols of love, fidelity, and connection. In “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” the two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testament, which are deeply connected and meaningful.

The Third Day of Christmas: Three French Hens

The three French hens signify the three theological virtues: faith, hope, and love (or charity).

The Fourth Day of Christmas: Four Calling Birds

The four calling birds symbolize the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which spread the good news of Jesus’ life and teachings.

The Fifth Day of Christmas: Five Golden Rings

The five golden rings represent the first five books of the Old Testament, also known as the Pentateuch or the Torah. These books include: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.

The Sixth Day of Christmas: Six Geese A-Laying

The six geese a-laying symbolize the six days of creation, emphasizing God's power as the creator of the world.

The Seventh Day of Christmas: Seven Swans A-Swimming

The seven swans a-swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

The Eighth Day of Christmas: Eight Maids A-Milking

The eight maids a-milking symbolizes the eight Beatitudes preached by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Nine Ladies Dancing

The nine ladies dancing represents the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

The Tenth Day of Christmas: Ten Lords A-Leaping

The ten lords a-leaping signifies the Ten Commandments, which provide guidance for how to be the-best-version-of-yourself:

The Ten Commandments:

I am the Lord your God: You shall not have strange gods before me.

You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.

Remember to keep holy the Lord’s day.

Honor your father and your mother.

You shall not kill.

You shall not commit adultery.

You shall not steal.

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.

You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.

The Eleventh Day of Christmas: Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful disciples of Jesus: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the Younger, Simon, and Jude.

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve drummers drumming represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed, which summarizes the core beliefs of Christianity.

The Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.

He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.

He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.

On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven,

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and life everlasting. Amen.

It’s Christmas. Let’s celebrate for twelve days the lord’s birth.