According to Ann Ball's book, "A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals," there was once a time in England when the singing of hymns was illegal. So in order to teach catechism to young children, songs like the now-famous “12 Days of Christmas” were taught -- with the following meaning: Instead of referring to a suitor, the "true love" mentioned in the song refers to God. The "me" receiving the presents is symbolic of every baptized person.
- The partridge in the pear tree is Jesus Christ, and in the song, He is symbolically presented as a mother partridge who feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless nestlings.
- Two turtle doves: The Old and New Testaments
- Three French hens: Faith, hope and charity
- Four calling birds: The four Gospels
- Five gold rings: The first five books of the Old Testament or the Torah
- 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 disciples
- Twelve drummers drumming: The twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed
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