12 Days of Christmas

contributed by:

Mariles A. Ibarra FAMILIA, Mary the Queen

"On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…” Contrary to common belief, the twelve days in the popular Christmas song are not the twelve days before Christmas but the twelve days after Christmas until the eve of Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings, traditionally observed on January 6th. Thus, January 5th is the Twelfth Night, a time of much festivity in the early Western Christian Church, as well as the time to remove the trimmings of Christmas.

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The Secret Code?

But do we know what the song means? It may at first sound to be a nursery rhyme or a senseless ditty, with images of leaping lords, swimming swans and dairy maids a-milking. Some have suggested that it is a song of Christian instruction dating to the 16th century religious wars in England, with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Faith. They contend that it was a mnemonic device to teach catechism to youngsters in a time of religious persecution in England. Practising Catholics had to couch their teachings in innocuous lyrics. Thus, they used codes to represent the basic tenets of the Church. The "true love" mentioned in the song is not an earthly suitor, but refers to God Himself. The "me" who receives the presents refers to every baptized person who is part of the Christian Faith. Each of the "days" represents some aspect of the Christian Faith that was important for children to learn. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on December 25, the first day of Christmas.

The other symbols with their meanings:

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

5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.

6 Geese A-laying = the six days of creation

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

8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments

11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles

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

Some quarters have questioned this interpretation, however, delving on some historical inaccuracies. Others dismiss it as an urban myth or legend with no basis in fact. Maybe historical accuracy is not the point; suffice to say or acknowledge that the source is uncertain, but it should not prevent us from using the song as part of our celebration of this most wondrous season of all. And now we have a new and fuller understanding of the words.

Cut to Modern Times

This is a modern version, one we can relate to easily:

The New Twelve Days of Christmas

(Words by Claire Cloninger, Arranged by David Maddux, Sung by First Call, from the album “An Evening in December”, Vol.1)

On the (twelfth) day of Christmas a vision came to me:

Twelve diets slimming,

Eleven stockings brimming,

Ten trees for trimming,

Nine cash dispersals,

Eight choir rehearsals,

Seven plates of dressing,

Six cards with blessing,

Five shopping malls,

Four manger scenes,

Three fruit cakes,

Two evergreens

And a child born to set the world free.

Despite the season’s hustle and bustle, let us not forget the “reason for the season.” Let us stop and reflect on God’s wonderful plan of redemption, set in motion first by the Annunciation, then by the birth of our Savior.

A blessed Christmas to one and all!