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Twelve Days Of Christmas Hidden Meanings
According to Catholic history the popular song contained two levels of meaning, with one meaning being known only to members of the Church during a period of time in England when Roman Catholics could not practice their faith openly.
Each element of the carol was code for a religious reality which children could remember.
The 'true love' referred to is not some love struck boy or girl but Jesus Christ because truly love was born on Christmas Day. The partridge in the pear tree represents Him as it is a bird that will sacrifice it's life in order to protect it's young.
Two Turtle Doves ... the Old and the New Testament
Three French Hens ... Faith, Hope and Love
Four Calling Birds ... the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
Five Gold Rings ..... the first five Books of the Old Testament
Six geese a laying ... the six days of creation
Seven swans a swimming ... the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
Eight Maids a milking ... the eight Beatitudes
Nine Ladies dancing ... the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit
Ten Lords a leaping ... the Ten Commandments
Eleven Pipers piping ... the eleven faithful Apostles
Twelve Drummers drumming ... twleve points of the Apostle's Creed
Source: Catholic News Agency
There were times in history when people had to hide their Christian faith. The candy cane, with the red & white stripes means something Christian, but I forget what that was now. - Madeline A. Bruce.
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