Most of you are familiar with the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. People have tried to calculate what it would cost to give these gifts today, but have had little success since some of them are no longer possible to give.

Years ago, I heard a radio announcer talk about the origin of this song. I contacted them and asked for their information. They sent it along with a note. It is said to be an urban legend.

Now I have a book that I purchased with information about Christmas songs. In that book it talks about the origin. I am so glad I happened upon this.

In sixteenth century England Catholics were forbidden to practice their faith. The only legal Christian denomination that was allowed was the Church of England. Any Catholics who spoke about their religion were arrested and tried. If their violation was considered to be severe enough, they could be put to death.

They simply went underground. They hid all signs of their faith. The biggest problem they had was how to teach the young people the church doctrine. One of the most successful codes appeared in a Christmas carol. Few suspected the meaning behind the words. They seemed like nonsense to many.

The gifts in the song related to the time between Christ’s birth and the Epiphany. The first gift was a partridge. It referred to the fact that a mother would sacrifice her life to protect her young. It refers to the ultimate gift of God sacrificing his son to save our sins.

The second gift, two turtle doves, stood for the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

The third gift, three French hens, were referred to because at that time they were very costly items. They stood for Faith, Hope, And Love.

Four calling birds were the four gospels that begin the New Testament.

Five Golden rings recalled the Tora – the first five books of the Old Testament.

Six geese-a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans-a-swimming represented the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – prophecy, service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and mercy.

Eight maids-a milking were the Beatitudes – referring to the common man. At that time the people who worked with animals were the lowest class.

Nine ladies dancing were the nine truths of the Holy Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are referred to in Galatians 5. When we did Bible school about these, we had a bear we named. His name was Loy Pat Koofenson. See if you can figure out how we got that name. Hint: it helped us remember the fruits of the spirit.

Ten lords-a-leaping were the ten commandments. Eleven pipers piping referred to the eleven faithful disciples – Judas had betrayed Jesus for forty pieces of silver. Twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostle’s Creed.

I do not know about you, but I will never sing this song again without realizing the symbolism. What an ingenious way to teach the children without breaking the law.

Ann Swanson writes from Russell. Contact her at hickoryheights1@verizon.net.