The Twelve Days of Christmas (and their possible meanings -supposedly it was used as a memory-aid when writing these things down could send you for the chop)
The twelve days from Christmas until the beginning of Epiphany (January 6th; the 12 days count from December 25th until January 5th).
- 1 Partridge in a pear tree = The One true God.
- 2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
- 3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
- 4 Calling Birds = The Four Gospels (and/or the Four Evangelists)
- Matthew
- Mark
- Luke
- John
- 5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
- 6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
- 7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)
- prophecy
- ministry
- teaching
- exhortation
- giving
- leading
- compassion
- 8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitude (Matthew 5:3-10)
- Blessed are the poor in spirit
- those who mourn
- the meek
- those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
- the merciful
- the pure in heart
- the peacemakers
- those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake.
- 9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit . (Galatians 5:22)
- love
- joy
- peace
- patience
- kindness
- generosity
- faithfulness
- gentleness
- self-control
- 10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments (Exodus 20:1-17)
- You shall have no other gods before me
- Do not make an idol
- Do not take God's name in vain
- Remember the Sabbath Day
- Honor your father and mother
- Do not murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not bear false witness
- Do not covet.
- 11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the Romans.
- Simon Peter
- Andrew
- James
- John
- Philip
- Bartholomew
- Matthew
- Thomas
- James bar Alphaeus
- Simon the Zealot
- Judas bar James.
- 12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's 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 [the grave].
- 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.


Last Updated
Monday, March 14, 2005
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