Symbolism in 12 Days of Christmas
THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
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.
The other symbols carry their own religious meanings:
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
How interesting and sad that a song written to secretly remind Christians about the doctrines of their faith was disguised so well that after 400 years, the secular world more identifies with this carol than do Christians who are mostly unaware of its origins and meanings. The freedom to exercise our faith in this country is still amazing. Cherish it this Christmas!
